Role of Wnt Signaling Pathway in Stem Cells Derived Retinal Regeneration

: Human optic nerve injury and its associated neurodegenerative diseases are often followed by permanent vision loss.Stem cell therapy has long been considered a promising mode to treat retinal degenerative diseases.Recent studies revealed that there are silent retinal stem cells in the eyes of mammals and even humans.These stem cells can be activated again under certain conditions and differentiate into retinal neurons to repair the damaged retina.Wnt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in conducting growth-stimulating signals and regulates cell proliferation,differentiation and apoptosis.This article review the regulatory effect of Wnt signaling pathway on stem cells-based retinal regeneration and the sources of retinal stem cells.