Using neurogenin to reprogram chick RPE to produce photoreceptor-like neurons.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

One potential therapy for vision loss from photoreceptor degeneration is cell replacement, but this approach presents a need for photoreceptor cells. This study explores whether the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) could be a convenient source of developing photoreceptors.

Methods

The RPE of chick embryos was subjected to reprogramming by proneural genes neurogenin (ngn)1 and ngn3. The genes were introduced into the RPE through retrovirus RCAS-mediated transduction, with the virus microinjected into the eye or added to retinal pigment epithelial explant culture. The retinal pigment epithelia were then analyzed for photoreceptor traits.

Results

In chick embryos infected with retrovirus RCAS-expressing ngn3 (RCAS-ngn3), the photoreceptor gene visinin (the equiva

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2802679 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature