Retinal vascular regeneration

Dysfunction of the retinal vasculature can impact on visual function. In many chorioretinal disorders, impairment of vascular function is a central pathogenic event. Extensive research has investigated mechanisms driving vascular damage when compared to vascular regeneration. Nevertheless, vasoreparative processes have been shown to slow the progression of eye vascular diseases. Here, we review evidence for retinal vascular regeneration in mice and humans. There have been preclinical studies conducted using cell therapy to promote vascular regeneration, including bone marrow-CD34+ progenitor cells, umbilical cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells. Endogenous retinal vascular regeneration is also modulated by molecular pathways such as Semaphorins, Wnt, and Connexin 43. Additionally, drugs that remove senescent cells, have also been suggested to enhance reparative retinal vascular regeneration. All the scientific evidence discussed in this chapter highlights the importance of understanding vascular regeneration in the context of ischemic eye disease.