ABSTRACT
Gene transfer technology is gaining ground as a tool to investigate and promote neuroprotection in the retina. In the past few years, a number of studies have established proof-of-principle for the efficacy of gene delivery using viral vectors to enhance neuronal survival in animal models of retinal diseases. Several factors have contributed to the progress in this area, such as the elucidation of the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases, the availability of natural, experimental, or transgenic animal models, and the development of recombinant viral vectors suitable for in vivo gene delivery.
