Steven J. Pittler

Abstract Synaptic deficit has emerged as a key early hallmark for neurodegeneration in the visual pathway. The molecular pathway connecting local synaptic deficit with global cell dysfunction and death remains unclear. We have previously shown that α2δ4, an auxiliary subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel, is targeted to photoreceptor synapses and required for their formation and function. Notably, α2δ4 mutations have been identified in patients with retinal dystrophy.

1. Introduction Vision loss results from dysfunction or death of retinal neurons, and this condition represents a significant global health issue that affects billions of people worldwide (Stevens et al., 2013; Bourne et al., 2017). Irreversible vision loss because of retinal neuron death can be caused by genetic factors, environmental insult as well as age-dependent decline (Gordois et al., 2012).

Open AccessEditorial by 1,* and 2 1 Vision Science Research Center, School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA 2 Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York-University at Buffalo, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215-1129, USA * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.