Sight is critically dependent on the development of appropriate eye morphology and cell types. Although many genes involved in eye development have been isolated, the genetic regulatory pathways that control vertebrate retinal cell differentiation remain undetermined. Moreover, the link between gene activity and cell determination is not well understood. This proposal aims to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of eye formation by (1) decifering the functional relationships among the different genes that control eye formation and then (2) characterizing the role of two retinal genes integral to eye development, Chx10 and Mitf or microphthalmia. By analyzing the expression patterns of the eye transcription factors in wild-type embryos and embryos over-expressing the individual genes, it will be possible to outline a genetic hierarchy. Dominant-negative inhibition and enhancer activation of their function in the developing animal will be used to more precisely define the functional relationships of these genes. In addition, over-expression or inhibition of Chx10 and Mitf at the 2-cell stage and in embryonic optic vesicles (stage 18) may reveal new functions for these genes that previous studies in mice have not.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY007051-02X1
Application #
6503182
Study Section
Visual Sciences C Study Section (VISC)
Program Officer
Hunter, Chyren
Project Start
2001-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-09-01
Budget End
2002-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$5,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Cambridge
Department
Type
DUNS #
226552610
City
Cambridge
State
Country
United Kingdom
Zip Code
CB2 1-TN