Conditional Dicer1 depletion using Chrnb4-Cre leads to cone cell death and impaired photopic vision.

ABSTRACT: Irreversible photoreceptor cell death is a major cause of blindness in many retinal dystrophies. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progressive loss of photoreceptor cells remains therefore crucial. Abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been linked with the aetiology of a number of retinal dystrophies. However, their role during the degenerative process remains poorly understood. Loss of cone photoreceptors in the human macula has the greatest impact on sight as these cells provide high acuity vision. Using a Chrnb4-cre; Dicer^flox/flox conditional knockout mouse (Dicer CKO) to delete Dicer1 from cone cells, we show that cone photoreceptor cells degenerate and die in the Dicer-deleted retina. Embryonic eye morphogenesis appeared normal in Di

SUBMITTER: Aldunate EZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6381178 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature