Molecular Principles for Decoding Homeostasis Disruptions in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: Significance of Lipid Mediators to Retinal Degenerative Diseases

Abstract

Dysregulated neuroinflammatory signaling during impending disruption of homeostasis in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells (PRC) takes place in early stages of retinal degeneration. PRCs avidly retain and display the highest content in the human body of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; an omega-3 essential fatty acid). Docosanoids are DHA-derived mediators, such as neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), made on-demand that promote repair, phagocytic clearance, cell survival, and are active participants of effective, well-concerted homeostasis restoration. Here we develop the concept that there is a molecular logic that sustains PRC survival and that transcriptional signatures governed by NPD1 in the RPE may be engaged.