Abstract: The retinal degeneration (rd1) mutant mouse exhibits rapid rod photoreceptor degeneration caused by a mutation in the rod photoreceptor-specific gene cGMP phosphodiesterase &bgr; (PDE). One intriguing aspect of the rd1 phenotype is a secondary wave of cone photoreceptor death that follows loss of rods. In this study, we investigated gene expression changes associated with the progression of photoreceptor degeneration in rd1 mice using a custom retina microarray. The microarray contains 5,376 DNA fragments that correspond to mouse genes known or postulated to be involved in normal retinal function, development, or disease. Gene expression in rd1 retina was compared with age-matched wild-type controls at three time-points corresponding to critical stages in retina degeneration: peak of rod degeneration, early in cone degeneration and during cone degeneration.

Abstract: Neuronal cell death, as modeled by removal of serum or NGF from growth medium, is characterized by many changes in gene expression. Gene expression was compared before and after withdrawal of serum or NGF. These results provide clues to underlying molecular processes occurring during neuronal and photoreceptor degeneration, and provide direction for future cell-based studies.

Abstract: The optic nerve axotomy model in mouse exhibits rapid changes in gene expression. Genes identified by microarray analysis as differentially expressed or modulated in this model, can be used diagnostically, therapeutically, and in drug discovery. These results provide clues to underlying molecular processes occurring during optic nerve degeneration, and provide direction for future cell-based studies.