Evidence for two apoptotic pathways in light-induced retinal degeneration

Wenshan Hao, Andreas Wenzel, Martin S. Obin, Ching Kang Chen, Elliott Brill, Nataliia V. Krasnoperova, Pamela Eversole-Cire, Yelena Kleyner, Allen Taylor, Melvin I. Simon, Christian Grimm, Charlotte E. Remé, Janis Lem

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

225 Scopus citations

Abstract

Excessive phototransduction signaling is thought to be involved in light-induced and inherited retinal degeneration. Using knockout mice with defects in rhodopsin shut-off and transducin signaling, we show that two different pathways of photoreceptor-cell apoptosis are induced by light. Bright light induces apoptosis that is independent of transducin and accompanied by induction of the transcription factor AP-1. By contrast, low light induces an apoptotic pathway that requires transducin. We also provide evidence that additional genetic factors regulate sensitivity to light-induced damage. Our use of defined mouse mutants resolves some of the complexity underlying the mechanisms that regulate susceptibility to retinal degeneration.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)254-260
Number of pages7
JournalNature Genetics
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics

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