The broad, long-term objective is to understand how retina can adapt itself to environmental light changes to protect photoreceptor cells from degeneration and to elucidate the mechanism whereby this adaptation system is triggered, and eventually, to manipulate this system to increase photoreceptor cell resistance to the degeneration. The focus of this research proposal is to characterize the genes and protein expression as a function of retinal adaptation in response to bright cyclic light, and to understand how this adaptation protects photoreceptors from degeneration. To achieve this goal, the gene and protein expressions of bFGF, aFGF, FGF receptor-1, CNTF, CNTF receptor- alpha, BDNF, trk B, IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor, as well as proto-oncogene bcl-2 will be quantitatively characterized by performing Northern and Western blot analysis. Afterward, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry will be performed to localize the expression. In addition, such adaptation system in adult rat retina triggered by bright cyclic light to protect photoreceptors from degeneration will also be examined.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY006973-03
Application #
6363116
Study Section
Visual Sciences C Study Section (VISC)
Program Officer
Mariani, Andrew P
Project Start
2001-03-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-03-01
Budget End
2002-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$49,412
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
937727907
City
Oklahoma City
State
OK
Country
United States
Zip Code
73117