We have identified a blind zebrafish mutant with rapid degeneration of cone photoreceptors due to a mutation in the cone phosphodiesterase c (pde6c) gene, a key regulatory component in cone phototransduction. We will use this mutant combined with the advantages of the zebrafish model system to answer two fundamental questions in photoreceptor biology. 1. What are the cell-type and cell density requirements that lead to the death of healthy photoreceptors in the presence of dying photoreceptors (the """"""""bystander effect"""""""")? 2. What is the molecular pathway leading to cone degeneration in the absence of phosphodiesterase? Zebrafish is a vertebrate model system that provides several advantages for studying retinal degeneration. In this case, the loss of PDE6c in zebrafish provides a unique opportunity to gather new information about retinal degeneration. Our current understanding of the causes of photoreceptor degeneration is not sufficient to develop successful therapies. Zebrafish develop rapidly and have a well-characterized retina. Furthermore, they are optically clear, can be used efficiently in genetic screens and, importantly, can be made mosaic easily through cell transplantation. These features will enable us to go beyond studies begun in other systems. New information from the zebrafish model will enhance our understanding of retinal degeneration and aid in the development of therapies. We plan to take advantage of our detailed understanding of the photoreceptor's phototransduction cascade and the genetic and molecular tools unique to zebrafish to determine the molecular trigger(s) stimulating (Aim #2) and preventing (Aim #3) degeneration. We also will use our cone degeneration mutant to make mosaic retinas containing mixtures of mutant and non-mutant cones to dissect parameters essential for causing the bystander effect (Aim #1).

Public Health Relevance

Zebrafish is a vertebrate model system that provides several advantages for studying retinal degeneration. We have identified a blind zebrafish mutant with rapid degeneration of cone photoreceptors due to a mutation in the cone phosphodiesterase c gene (pde6c), a key regulatory component in cone phototransduction. New information from the study of the zebrafish mutant pde6cw59 will enhance our understanding of retinal degeneration and aid in the development of therapies to treat this common inherited form of blindness.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY018814-03
Application #
8103899
Study Section
Biology and Diseases of the Posterior Eye Study Section (BDPE)
Program Officer
Shen, Grace L
Project Start
2009-08-01
Project End
2013-07-31
Budget Start
2011-08-01
Budget End
2012-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$370,656
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
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Ma, E Y; Lewis, A; Barabas, P et al. (2013) Loss of Pde6 reduces cell body Ca(2+) transients within photoreceptors. Cell Death Dis 4:e797
Lewis, Alaron; Wilson, Neil; Stearns, George et al. (2011) Celsr3 is required for normal development of GABA circuits in the inner retina. PLoS Genet 7:e1002239
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Lewis, Alaron; Williams, Philip; Lawrence, Owen et al. (2010) Wild-type cone photoreceptors persist despite neighboring mutant cone degeneration. J Neurosci 30:382-9