Müller cells in pathological retinal angiogenesis

Muller cells are the major glial cells spanning the entire layer of the retina and maintaining retinal structure. Under pathological conditions, Muller cells are involved in retinal angiogenesis, a process of growing new blood vessels from pre-existing capillaries. In response to hypoxia, high glucose, and inflammation conditions, multiple signaling pathways are activated in Muller cells, followed by the increased production of proangiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases, Netrin-4, and angiopoietin-like 4. Expression of antiangiogenic factors is also downregulated in Muller cells. Besides, proliferation and dedifferentiation of Muller cells facilitates retinal angiogenesis. In this review, we summarized molecular mechanisms of Muller cells-related retinal angiogenesis. The potential of Muller cells as a therapeutic target for retinal angiogenesis was also discussed.