The long term goals of our research are to identify the need for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) proteins in photoreceptor cells. The goal of this proposal is to explore the role for BBS8 in photoreceptors using unique animal models. Our study will focus on the need for BBS in photoreceptor survival and test if BBS is actively needed for the maintenance of photoreceptor function. Our proposed studies are aligned with the Retinal Diseases Program of the NEI to: 1) identify the genes involved in both inherited and retinal degenerative diseases (including RP), 2) determine the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these mutations, and 3) determine new potential therapeutic strategies for treatment such as gene transfer, tissue and cell transplantation, growth factor therapy, and pharmacological intervention. Our proposed studies have clinical implications, as gene therapy for BBS is partially effective, and a better understanding of the requirement for BBS in photoreceptor function is needed to move this field forward.

Public Health Relevance

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a multi-syndromic disease that affects our vision. This project is aimed at exploring the need for BBS protein complex in the light-sensing photoreceptor cells with the hopes of identifying novel therapies for patients with BBS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21EY027707-01
Application #
9263296
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-CB-W (02)M)
Program Officer
Neuhold, Lisa
Project Start
2017-02-01
Project End
2019-01-31
Budget Start
2017-02-01
Budget End
2018-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$225,000
Indirect Cost
$75,000
Name
West Virginia University
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
191510239
City
Morgantown
State
WV
Country
United States
Zip Code
26506
Dilan, Tanya L; Singh, Ratnesh K; Saravanan, Thamaraiselvi et al. (2018) Bardet-Biedl syndrome-8 (BBS8) protein is crucial for the development of outer segments in photoreceptor neurons. Hum Mol Genet 27:283-294
Moye, Abigail R; Singh, Ratnesh; Kimler, Victoria A et al. (2018) ARL2BP, a protein linked to retinitis pigmentosa, is needed for normal photoreceptor cilia doublets and outer segment structure. Mol Biol Cell 29:1590-1598
Wright, Zachary C; Loskutov, Yuriy; Murphy, Daniel et al. (2018) ADP-Ribosylation Factor-Like 2 (ARL2) regulates cilia stability and development of outer segments in rod photoreceptor neurons. Sci Rep 8:16967