The Mouse Retina as an Evolving Model System: From Layered Anatomy to Cell-Type-Resolved Regenerative Repair
In brief
Mouse retinal repair studies need multiple readouts before clinical claims
This review traces how genetics, cell-level analysis and advanced imaging have expanded what mouse retina studies can measure. It stresses that cell survival, visual function, nerve regrowth, circuit reconnection and behavior are separate outcomes, so combining readouts and testing findings in human-relevant tissue and larger-eye models is essential before drawing clinical conclusions.
- Journal
- Experimental eye research (Q1)
- Published
- 27 October 2026
- Study design
- Narrative review / expert opinion
- Evidence level
- Level 5, Expert Opinion (CEBM 5)
- Authors
- Gang Wang, Zhijie Li
- PMID
- 42946114
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.exer.2026.111295
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Histology (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Retinal layered anatomy, histology methods, and imaging guidance
Abstract
The mouse retina has become a central model for linking neural organization to degeneration and repair because it combines laminated anatomy, genetic access, longitudinal imaging, and measurable visual function. This review is organized around three methodological eras: anatomical foundations (1970s-1990s), genetic access and reproducible injury models (2000s-2010s), and cell-resolved omics and high-resolution in vivo imaging (2015-present). Four Method Boxes translate this history into practical guidance for histology, electrophysiology, genetic manipulation, and in vivo imaging. We then examine two therapeutic areas that expose the model's evidentiary limits: retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon regeneration after optic nerve injury and stage-matched treatment of photoreceptor degeneration. Across both areas, survival, local function, long-distance regeneration, circuit reconnection, and behavior are treated as distinct outcomes. The mouse retina is therefore most informative when complementary readouts are combined and promising mechanisms are tested against human-relevant tissue and larger-eye systems before clinical inference.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.