Abstract
Purpose::
The purpose of this work was to investigate the time course of expression of ZO-1, beta-catenin and p102-catenin in the developing retina of Rho(-/-) and wild type mice.
Methods::
Confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation methods were used.
Results::
ZO-1 expression was compromised at the outer limiting membrane in Rho(-/-) mouse retina at 3 weeks old compared to wild type controls. Levels of beta catenin and p120-catenin expression decreased at 3 weeks and at 4 weeks respectively. Association between ZO-1 and E-cadherin was maximal at 2-3 weeks.
Conclusions::
Adherens junction proteins at the outer limiting membrane are altered in Rho(-/-) mice. The interaction of ZO-1, p120-catenin and beta-catenin may be important in order to stabilise the outer limiting membrane and for normal photoreceptor function.
Keywords: retinal degenerations: cell biology • photoreceptors • Muller cells