Atoh7 promotes the differentiation of retinal stem cells derived from Muller cells into retinal ganglion cells by inhibiting Notch signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Retinal Müller cells exhibit the characteristics of retinal progenitor cells, and differentiate into ganglion cells under certain conditions. However, the number of ganglion cells differentiated from retinal Müller cells falls far short of therapeutic needs. This study aimed to develop a novel protocol to promote the differentiation of retinal Müller cells into ganglion cells and explore the underlying signaling mechanisms.

Methods

Müller cells were isolated and purified from rat retina and induced to dedifferentiate into retinal stem cells. Next the stem cells were transfected with lentivirus PGC-FU-GFP or lentivirus PGC-FU-Atoh7-GFP. In addition, the stem cells were transfected with Brn-3b siRNA or Isl-1 siRNA or treated with Notch inhibitor gamma-secretase in

SUBMITTER: Song WT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3854761 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature