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.


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


Circadian Rhythms

Circadian Rhythms

Author: Michael Young

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2005-04-04

Total Pages: 951

ISBN-13: 0080455409

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The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. Circadian Rhythms contains an extensive discussion of genetic and biochemical aspects of circadian rhythms. In this volume organisms such as neurospora, bacteria, drosophila, arabidopsis and mammals are covered. Included are methods in genetics, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, tissue culture, and populations are discussed in detail. * One of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry since 1955 * Frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike * Truly an essential publication for anyone in any field of the life sciences


Retinal Degenerations

Retinal Degenerations

Author: Matthew M. LaVail

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 458

ISBN-13: 1461500672

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The topics in this volume explore the etiology, cellular mechanisms, epidemiology, genetics, models and potential therapeutic measures for the blinding diseases of retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Special focus is highlighted in the areas of Mechanisms of Photoreceptor Degeneration and Cell Death (extremely important because very little is known how or why photoreceptors die in these diseases, despite an abundance of genetic information), Age-Related Macular Degeneration (with several novel approaches to its analysis), Usher Syndrome (the most severe form of retinitis pigmentosa, which includes an early or congenital loss of hearing along with blindness), and Gene Therapy. In addition, the section on Basic Science Related to Retinal Degeneration is particularly strong with several laboratories reporting on new discoveries in the area of outer segment phagocytosis, a key component of photoreceptor-retinal pigment epithelial cell interactions in normal and degenerating retinas.


Photoreceptor Cell Biology and Inherited Retinal Degenerations

Photoreceptor Cell Biology and Inherited Retinal Degenerations

Author: David S. Williams

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13: 9789812561756

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This important book presents review articles on the cell biology of photoreceptor and RPE cells, as well as the relationship between this cell biology and inherited photoreceptor degeneration. The chapters have been written by leaders in the field. The vision scientist will see this book as a review of photoreceptor and RPE cell biology, and known molecular bases of many forms of retinitis pigmentosa and related retinal degeneration.


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.


Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2000-12-21

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0309070864

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Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment reviews advances made during the last 10-15 years in fields such as developmental biology, molecular biology, and genetics. It describes a novel approach for how these advances might be used in combination with existing methodologies to further the understanding of mechanisms of developmental toxicity, to improve the assessment of chemicals for their ability to cause developmental toxicity, and to improve risk assessment for developmental defects. For example, based on the recent advances, even the smallest, simplest laboratory animals such as the fruit fly, roundworm, and zebrafish might be able to serve as developmental toxicological models for human biological systems. Use of such organisms might allow for rapid and inexpensive testing of large numbers of chemicals for their potential to cause developmental toxicity; presently, there are little or no developmental toxicity data available for the majority of natural and manufactured chemicals in use. This new approach to developmental toxicology and risk assessment will require simultaneous research on several fronts by experts from multiple scientific disciplines, including developmental toxicologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians.