Retinal Pigment Epithelium Dysfunction in Retinal Disorders: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial role in maintaining retinal homeostasis, supporting photoreceptor function, and preserving visual integrity. Dysfunction or degeneration of the RPE is a hallmark of several debilitating retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other inherited and acquired retinal diseases. Advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying RPE dysfunction have opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions, including gene therapy, stem cell-based replacement strategies, and pharmacological modulation.

This thematic Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest discoveries related to RPE pathophysiology, the impact of RPE dysfunction on retinal degeneration, and innovative therapeutic strategies targeting RPE preservation and repair. Contributions are invited on topics including, but not limited to, molecular pathways leading to RPE degeneration, disease modeling using pluripotent stem cells, cell-based and gene-based therapies, biomaterials for RPE support, and translational approaches to restore RPE function in retinal diseases. By gathering cutting-edge research and critical reviews, this Issue seeks to highlight current challenges and future directions in the development of effective therapies for RPE-associated retinal disorders.

Dr. Deepthi Rajendran Nair
Dr. Sushma Kalmodia
Guest Editors

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