Spatial transcriptomics reveals regionally altered gene expression that drives retinal degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Photoreceptor cell death is a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration. Environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors are known contributors to disease progression, whilst at the molecular level, oxidative stress and inflammation are central pathogenetic drivers. However, the spatial and cellular origins of these molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We used spatial transcriptomics to investigate the spatio-temporal gene expression changes in the adult mouse retina in response to photo-oxidative stress. We identify regionally distinct transcriptomes, with higher expression of immunity related genes in the superior retina. Exposure to stress induced expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes, innate immune responses, and cytokine production in a highly localised manner. A

SUBMITTER: Schumann U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12008306 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature