Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is involved in signal transduction cascades necessary for protection of the retina. The interaction between PEDF and retinal cells elicits neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. The direct substrates and signaling mechanisms involved in the survival response derived from such interaction are beginning to be revealed. It is of interest to elucidate cell death pathways that are crucial for the retinoprotective response of PEDF for the identification of targets that interfere with retina degeneration with potential therapeutic value. Here we review the molecular pathways triggered by PEDF that are involved in retinal survival activity.
Keywords: Cell survival; Neuroprotection; Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF); Pigment epithelium-derived factor receptor (PEDF-R); Retina; Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE); Signaling.