Novel laser model of optic nerve transection provides valuable insights about the dynamics of optic nerve regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Optic nerve (ON) injury causes blindness in adult mammals as their retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) cannot regenerate axons. However, amphibian RGC axons do not experience the same regenerative failure. Studying the regeneration process of the ON in amphibians holds profound implications for regenerative medicine and human health. Using transgenic tadpoles and laser micro-optics, we developed a reproducible ON transection and regeneration model. Through microscopy of axon dynamics, functional testing to assess visual pathway recovery, TUNEL cell death and EdU cell proliferation assays, and RNA-seq of the retina and optic nerve, we characterized the optic nerve injury response and subsequent recovery. Our model suggests no chemoattractant gradient exists early in regeneration, with defascicula

SUBMITTER: Moulin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11550805 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature