The Role of the Notch Signaling Pathway during Postembryonic Retinal Neurogenesis in Danio rerio
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The retina of teleost fish, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), exhibits remarkable capacity for continuous neurogenesis throughout life – unlike mammalian retina. Postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish is mainly contributed by active stem/progenitor cells in ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Notch signaling has been reported to regulate embryonic retinogenesis and Notch pathway components are expressed in adult zebrafish CMZ. Here I address the functions of Notch signaling during postembryonic retinogenesis in zebrafish. My research revealed that: (1) Notch signaling is activated in the transition zone of CMZ and differentiated retina; (2) CMZ cells do not exhibit Notch activity and do not require Notch signaling for maintenance; and (3) Notch signaling is required and sufficient for proper differentiation of Müller glia, cone photoreceptor and bipolar cells. These studies demonstrate how different levels of Notch activity regulate retinal stem cell behavior and provide insight into how to reactivate mammalian adult retinal stem cells in vivo.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Ru Yun Chiang
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2619447002