Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a fundus disease characterized by degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells, RPE cells and choroidal capillaries. The pathogenesis is not clear and there is no effective treatment. Cell therapies can slow or reverse the vision loss of AMD in animal models, which include implantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, RPE cells into the subretinal cavity. Therefore, cell therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of AMD.
Axon guidance molecules, slit glycoprotein (Slit) and Roundabout receptors (Robo) were firstly identified in the central neural system of Drosophila melanogaster. The Slit-Robo signal plays a crucial role in axon guidance, inflammation, tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, of which the role of Slit2-Robo pathway in angiogenesis has drawn a greater attention and still remains conflicting. Herein, we provide a review on the role of Slit2-Robo pathway in ocular angiogenesis and vascularization of other organs and systems. We hope this review will be the basis of further study on the mechanism of Slit2-Robo signaling on angiogenesis and provide new target for the therapy on ocular vascular disease
