Association of circadian dysregulation with retinal degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease: a special focus on Muller glial cells

Abstract

This review examines circadian dysregulation and the role of Müller glial cells (MGCs) in retinal degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Evidence supporting the interdependence of circadian rhythm (CR) disruption and AD progression is presented. Also reviweed are reports substantiating the role of MGCs in maintaining CR. Studies documenting MGC dysfunction in AD retinas suggest that gliosis, altered diurnal patterns in water homeostasis, blood-retina barrier breakdown, and impaired ocular glymphatic clearance are relevant to disease progression. Similarities between AD and various retinopathies are explored with respect to MGC physiology and CR dysfunction. We propose that MGC circadian dysregulation is diagnostically and therapeutically relevant to AD retinopathy.