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Molecular Issues in Optic Neuropathy

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 455

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
The Krieger Eye Research Laboratory, Bruce and Ruth Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
Interests: optic neuropathy; optic nerve crush; mouse model; neuroprotection; molecular pathways

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optic neuropathies encompass a group of disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, leading to visual impairment or loss. Recent advancements in research have paved the way for innovative diagnostic techniques, experimental models, and therapeutic approaches to better understand and manage these debilitating conditions. This Special Issue, “Molecular Issue in Optic Neuropathy”, aims to highlight groundbreaking developments in the field, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis, cutting-edge model systems, and emerging treatment strategies. By deepening our molecular insights into optic neuropathies, this issue seeks to inspire the development of more effective interventions for patients worldwide.

This Special Issue is supervised by Prof. Dr. Nitza Goldenberg-Cohen and assisted by Dr. Alon Zahavi (Tel Aviv University).

Prof. Dr. Nitza Goldenberg-Cohen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • optic neuropathy
  • neuroprotection
  • glaucoma induced neuropathy
  • molecular pathways
  • novel therapeutics strategies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 4641 KB  
Article
Molecular and Histological Characterization of a Novel Hydrogel-Based Strategy for Inducing Experimental Glaucoma in Mice
by Basel Obied, Stephen Richard, Judith Kramarz Dadon, Tal Corina Sela, Noa Geffen, Michal Halperin-Sternfeld, Lihi Adler-Abramovich, Nitza Goldenberg-Cohen and Alon Zahavi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209860 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and animal models are essential for studying its pathophysiology and testing therapeutic strategies. In this study, a novel hydrogel-based approach was developed and evaluated to induce experimental glaucoma in mice, using composites of hyaluronic acid [...] Read more.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and animal models are essential for studying its pathophysiology and testing therapeutic strategies. In this study, a novel hydrogel-based approach was developed and evaluated to induce experimental glaucoma in mice, using composites of hyaluronic acid (HA) and the self-assembling peptide fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (FmocFF). Two formulations with different HA-to-FmocFF ratios were injected either intracamerally or intravitreally in C57BL/6 mice. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored over 21 days, and retinal tissues were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. Significant IOP elevation was observed in one hydrogel formulation (Mixture B), yet without detectable retinal ganglion cell loss. A significant reduction in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density, independent of IOP changes or injection site, was observed in Mixture A. Histological staining confirmed successful delivery and localization of the hydrogel in the anterior chamber, and no evidence of gliosis, microglial activation, or increased apoptosis was revealed by immunostaining. Collectively, these data position the HA-FmocFF hydrogel as a proof-of-concept that advances glaucoma model development, although it does not yet recapitulate the full disease. This model may facilitate future studies of neuroprotection and disease-modifying therapies in glaucoma without confounding inflammatory responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Issues in Optic Neuropathy)
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