In:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 99, No. 1 ( 2002-01-08), p. 473-478
Abstract:
Normal human retinal development involves orderly generation of
rods and cones by complex mechanisms. Cell-fate specification involves progenitor cell lineage and external signals such as soluble factors
and cell–cell interactions. In most inherited human retinal degenerations, including retinitis pigmentosa, a mutant gene causes
loss of visual function, death of mature rods, and eventually death of all cone subtypes. Only one inherited retinal disorder, the enhanced S
cone syndrome (ESCS), shows increased visual function, involving the minority S (blue) cones, and decreased rod and L/M (red/green) cone
function. This autosomal recessive disease is caused by mutations in NR2E3 , a photoreceptor nuclear receptor transcription
factor, and may result from abnormal cell-fate determination, leading to excess S cones at the expense of other photoreceptor subtypes. In 16
ESCS patients with the most common NR2E3 mutation,
R311Q, we documented an abnormal ratio of S to L/M cone function and progressive retinal degeneration. We studied the postmortem retina of
an ESCS patient homozygous for NR2E3 R311Q. No rods were
identified, but cones were increased approximately 2-fold, and 92% were S cones. Only 15% of the cones expressed L/M cone opsin, and
some coexpressed S cone opsin. The retina was disorganized, with densely packed cones intermixed with inner retinal neurons. The retina
was also degenerate, retaining photoreceptors in only the central and far peripheral regions. These observations suggest a key role for NR2E3 in regulation of human photoreceptor development.
Degeneration of the NR2E3 retina may result from
defective development, known S cone fragility, or abnormal maintenance of mature photoreceptors.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0027-8424
,
1091-6490
DOI:
10.1073/pnas.022533099
Language:
English
Publisher:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publication Date:
2002
detail.hit.zdb_id:
209104-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1461794-8
SSG:
11
SSG:
12
