The purpose of this work is to understand how the retinal pigment epithelium degrades the photoreceptor cell outer segments. Cathepsin D, a proteinase, and phospholipases A1 and A2 are primarily responsible for degrading the outer segments. The projects and experimental approaches currently underway and planned include (1) characterization of the proteolysis of opsin, the vertebrate photopigment, by cathepsin D; (2) the role of membrane fluidity in allowing cathepsin D access to its principal substrate, opsin; (3) testing the levels of lysosomal hydrolases present in the retinal pigment epithelium and other phagocytic cells in a strain of rats (RCS) afflicted with an hereditary retinal degeneration known to be caused by failure of the retinal pigment epithelium to phagocytize the photoreceptor cells which have been shed.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY000675-15
Application #
3255495
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Project Start
1983-04-01
Project End
1988-06-30
Budget Start
1986-07-01
Budget End
1987-06-30
Support Year
15
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Amherst College
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Amherst
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01002