Reversing fate: rescuing dying neurons from regulated cell death

This thesis explores the potential for neuronal cells, particularly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), to recover from apoptosis and investigates the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using live-cell imaging, the thesis establishes a methodology to monitor the full process of neuronal cell degeneration and recovery in real time. Initial studies on PC12 cells demonstrate that cells can recover from apoptosis-like features after stress removal. The research extends to multiple neuronal cell lines, assessing their ability to withstand and reverse mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Moving to primary rat RGCs, the thesis examines reversible mitochondrial damage and phosphatidylserine exposure dynamics. Further investigations highlight the role of mitochondrial fission, fusion, biogenesis, and autophagy in cell recovery. These findings provide new insights into neuronal cell resilience and may contribute to developing therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma.