Beta-catenin controls differentiation of the retinal pigment epithelium in the mouse optic cup by regulating Mitf and Otx2 expression.

ABSTRACT: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) consists of a monolayer of cuboidal, pigmented cells that is located between the retina and the choroid. The RPE is vital for growth and function of the vertebrate eye and improper development results in congenital defects, such as microphthalmia or anophthalmia, or a change of cell fate into neural retina called transdifferentiation. The transcription factors microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) and orthodenticle homolog 2 (Otx2) are crucial for RPE development and function; however, very little is known about their regulation. Here, by using a Wnt-responsive reporter, we show that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is activated in the differentiating mouse RPE. Cre-mediated, RPE-specific disruption of beta-catenin after the onset of RPE spe

SUBMITTER: Westenskow P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2709060 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature