Retinal astrocytes ‐characteristics and role in retinal blood vessel development

During development retinal astrocytes emerge from the optic nerve as a proliferating and migrating cell population that spreads across the inner surface of the retina. This process is driven by retinal ganglion cells secreting platelet derived growth factor (PDGFA). The resulting retinal astrocyte network is essential for the developing retinal vasculature. The retinal astrocytes provide a critical substrate and trophic support via the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for the growing blood vessels. Commercial interest