Summary
This project aims to identify genes involved in photoreceptor recognition and synapse formation, particularly for cone photoreceptors, to improve cell-replacement and regenerative therapies for vision loss.
Identification of genes involved in photoreceptor recognition and synapse formation
US · IL
NIH (National Eye Institute - NEI's Retinal Disease Program)
grant
awarded
#nih-5R00EY030144-04
What they want
The project hypothesizes that each cone subtype expresses specific genes enabling recognition by postsynaptic partners (bipolar and horizontal cells). The main goal is to identify these genes. This will be accomplished by first generating a complete transcriptomic profiling of four different cone subtypes in zebrafish to identify differentially expressed genes (Aim #1). Subsequently, a reverse-genetic screen will be performed to assess the functional, structural, and ultrastructural integrity of cone synapses (Aim #2). This will identify genes controlling synapse formation between cones and other retinal cells, promoting cone integration into retinal circuits.
Deliverables
- Complete transcriptomic profiling of four different cone subtypes in zebrafish
- Identification of differentially expressed genes in cone subtypes
- Identification of genes that control the formation of synapses between cones and other retinal cells
- New knowledge applicable to the improvement of cell-replacement or regenerative therapies for retinal degenerations
Technical requirements
- Transcriptomic profiling of cone subtypes
- Reverse-genetic screen
- Functional assessment of cone synapses
- Structural assessment of cone synapses
- Ultrastructural assessment of cone synapses
