This study investigated the roles of YTHDF family m6A RNA readers (Ythdf1, Ythdf2, Ythdf3) in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) fate reprogramming and neurite/axon development using an in vitro induced RGC (iRGC) system, with shRNA knockdown and overexpression approaches.
Knockdown of Ythdf1 and Ythdf3 significantly reduced iRGC reprogramming efficiency and axon length; overexpression enhanced both. Ythdf2 knockdown had no effect on reprogramming or axonogenesis, but Ythdf2 overexpression promoted axon growth.
Study is entirely in vitro (iRGC system) with no in vivo validation; it is unclear whether findings translate to native RGCs in a disease or injury context; sample sizes and quantitative effect sizes are not reported in the abstract.
These findings are preclinical and not yet clinically actionable, but they identify Ythdf1 and Ythdf3 as potential targets for future RGC regeneration strategies in optic neuropathies such as glaucoma.
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