Abstract
Purpose :
Zinc finger HIT domain-containing protein 1 (Znhit1) is a member of Znhit protein family. Znhit1 plays essential roles in cell cycle regulation and cellular differentiation. However, the functions of Znhit1 in the neural development have not yet been reported. In this study, we focused on the role of Znhit1 in retinal development.
Methods :
We examined the distribution of Znhit1 in mouse retina by immunofluorescence. By crossing the Znhit1flox line with the retina-specific Six3-Cre transgenic mice, we studied the functions of Znhit1 in retinal developement. The physiological role of Znhit1 in retina was analyzed using electroretinograms (ERGs). The retinas histomorphology was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
Results :
Znhit1 is expressed in all layers of retina, and strong expression of Znhit 1 is observed in horizontal cells by antibody staining. In the Znhit1 mutant mice, visual response are almost completely absent compared with littermate controls mice at P35. Conditional ablation of Znhit1 in retina also results in a pronounced defect in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) stratification in mice at P7 and P10. Moreover, drastic reduction in retinal thickness, formation of rosette structures in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was also observed at P10 and P35 in mutant mice.
Conclusions :
Lacking Znhit1 leads to visual response absent, pronounced defect in OPL stratification, drastic reduction in retinal thickness and formation of rosette structures in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Therefore, Znhit1 is essential for retinal development.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.