Ectopic synaptogenesis in the mammalian retina caused by rod photoreceptor-specific mutations.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
In addition to rod photoreceptor loss, many mutations in rod photoreceptor-specific genes cause degeneration of other neuronal types. Identifying mechanisms of cell-cell interactions initiated by rod-specific mutations and affecting other retinal cells is important for understanding the pathogenesis and progression of retinal degeneration. Here we show in animals with rod and cone degeneration due to mutations in the genes encoding rhodopsin and cGMP phosphodiesterase beta-subunit (PDE-beta) respectively, that rod bipolar cells received ectopic synapses from cones in the absence of rods. Thus, synaptic plasticity links certain rod-specific mutations to retina-wide structural alterations that involve different types of neurons.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Peng, YW; Hao, Y; Petters, RM; Wong, F
Published Date
- November 2000
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 3 / 11
Start / End Page
- 1121 - 1127
PubMed ID
- 11036269
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1097-6256
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1038/80639
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States