Controlled Ablation of Rod Photoreceptors in Transgenic Xenopus Laevis
Controlled Ablation of Rod Photoreceptors in Transgenic Xenopus Laevis

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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Retinal degeneration is the progressive loss of neurons lining the posterior surface of the eye. Loss of a certain group of neurons called rod photoreceptors can occur as the result of genetic mutation. In humans, and in mammalian models of retinal degeneration, the death of these cells is permanent, and often followed by cone photoreceptor death, which leads to blindness. As a step towards understanding the implications of rod cell death in the retina, we generated transgenic X. laevis that expressed a novel form of caspase-9, with binding domains specific to the compound AP20187. We treated these transgenic animals with AP20187 and caused rod cell death by apoptosis in tadpoles and post metamorphic animals. Peak rod apoptosis occurred two days after drug exposure. We adapted an electroretinography apparatus, and protocols designed for mammals to measure functional changes in X. laevis rod and cone derived responses. We observed delayed secondary cone cell dysfunction after induced rod cell apoptosis, which was subsequently restored. These animals provide a simple and clinically relevant model of diseases like Retinitis pigmentosa, in which we will be able to probe in detail the mechanisms that govern cone cell dysfunction as a consequence of rod apoptosis. The unique ability of this species to recover from this insult will provide clues towards initiating similar recovery in humans.

Regenerative Biology of the Eye
Regenerative Biology of the Eye

Author: Alice Pébay

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-05-23

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1493907875

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This text is a comprehensive look at the current knowledge on stem cell application for vision loss, showcasing different types of stem cells (adult, embryonic, iPSCs) for diseases of the front and the back of the eye. It also highlights data obtained in various models from fish to human, as well as from the bionic eye project for vision regeneration. This volume in the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series is essential reading for stem cell biologists, ophthalmologists, advanced and graduate students, in addition to academics and medical staff who work in these disciplines.

Imaging in Neuroscience and Development
Imaging in Neuroscience and Development

Author: Rafael Yuste

Publisher: CSHL Press

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 813

ISBN-13: 0879696923

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As imaging studies have continued to expand in scope and sophistication, this new edition of the highly successful and well–received Imaging Neurons: A Laboratory Manualhas expanded to include development, with over twenty new chapters on such topics as MRI microscopy, imaging early developmental events, and labeling single neurons. Chapters on FRET, FCS/ICS, FRAP, hyperresolution microscopy, single molecule imaging, imaging with quantum dots, and imaging gene expression are included. With over forty full chapters, the manual also includes over forty sections of protocols for imaging techniques.

Essential Zebrafish Methods: Genetics and Genomics
Essential Zebrafish Methods: Genetics and Genomics

Author: H. William Detrich III

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2009-09-05

Total Pages: 399

ISBN-13: 0123751616

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Due to its prolific reproduction and the external development of the transparent embryo, the zebrafish is the prime model for genetic and developmental studies, as well as research in genomics. While genetically distant from humans, nonetheless the vertebrate zebrafish has comparable organs and tissues that make it the model organism for study of vertebrate development.This book, one of two new volumes in the Reliable Lab Solutions series dealing with zebrafish, brings together a robust and up-to-date collection of time-tested methods presented by the world’s leading scientists. Culled from previously published chapters in Methods in Cell Biology and updated by the original authors where relevant, it provides a comprehensive collection of protocols describing the most widely used techniques relevant to the study of zebrafish genetics and genomics. The methods in this volume were hand-selected by the editors, whose goal was to a provide a handy and cost-effective collection of fail-safe methods, tips, and "tricks of the trade" to both experienced researchers and more junior members in the lab. Provides busy researchers a quick reference for time-tested methods and protocols that really work, updated where possible by the original authors Gives pragmatic wisdom to the non-specialist from experts in the field with years of experience with trial and error

Pediatric Retina
Pediatric Retina

Author: James D. Reynolds

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-09-14

Total Pages: 459

ISBN-13: 3642120415

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Pediatric retinal diseases are not simply retinal diseases that occur in children; rather, they are unique disorders that often are not found in adults. This textbook of the pediatric retina offers in-depth guidance on congenital and acquired diseases of the retina in the pediatric population. It is organized according to disease onset and timing, as well as anatomy. All chapters are written by leading authorities in the field from both the pediatric and the retinal perspective. A multidisciplinary approach to the topic is adopted, and critical information is included on disease classification and diagnosis, pathophysiology, genetics, complications, and prognosis. Pediatric Retina will be a useful source of information for pediatric ophthalmologists, retina specialists, and other eye care providers who care for children.

Angiogenesis Assays
Angiogenesis Assays

Author: Carolyn A. Staton

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2007-01-11

Total Pages: 410

ISBN-13: 047002934X

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Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature, is essential for physiological growth and over 18,000 research articles have been published describing the role of angiogenesis in over 70 different diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. One of the most important technical challenges in such studies has been finding suitable methods for assessing the effects of regulators of eh angiogenic response. While increasing numbers of angiogenesis assays are being described both in vitro and in vivo, it is often still necessary to use a combination of assays to identify the cellular and molecular events in angiogenesis and the full range of effects of a given test protein. Although the endothelial cell - its migration, proliferation, differentiation and structural rearrangement - is central to the angiogenic process, it is not the only cell type involved. the supporting cells, the extracellular matrix and the circulating blood with its cellular and humoral components also contribute. In this book, experts in the use of a diverse range of assays outline key components of these and give a critical appraisal of their strengths and weaknesses. Examples include assays for the proliferation, migration and differentiation of endothelial cells in vitro, vessel outgrowth from organ cultures, assessment of endothelial and mural cell interactions, and such in vivo assays as the chick chorioallantoic membrane, zebrafish, corneal, chamber and tumour angiogenesis models. These are followed by a critical analysis of the biological end-points currently being used in clinical trials to assess the clinical efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs, which leads into a discussion of the direction future studies should take. This valuable book is of interest to research scientists currently working on angiogenesis in both the academic community and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Relevant disciplines include cell and molecular biology, oncology, cardiovascular research, biotechnology, pharmacology, pathology and physiology.