Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To identify alterations of signalling pathways associated with rod degeneration in the rd1 mouse neural retina. Methods: Expression data were obtained using Affymetrix gene-chip technology. Gene expression by wild-type and rd1 neural retina, as well as by purified photoreceptor layer cells, were analyzed using Affymetrix gene-chip technology. Results: Molecules from many of the major cell signalling pathways, including hedgehog, dpp/TGF-beta, delta-notched, growth factors linked to the ras MAP kinase pathway and wingless, are expressed in the mouse retina. Among the changes in gene expression associated with photoreceptor degeneration was a 6-fold increase in the level of mRNA for the neurotrophic factor Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF). This finding was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. The kinetic of this increase in expression correlates with rod degeneration. Conclusion: These findings indicate that there may be complex compensatory changes in the expression of signalling molecules in response to photoreceptor degeneration. Understanding these processes will have implications for the rationale design of neuroprotective strategies.
Keywords: 417 gene/expression • 517 photoreceptors • 385 degenerations/dystrophies