Role of CX3CR1 in Microglia Activation and Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in Glaucoma - An in Vivo Imaging Study
Principal Investigator
Project Goals
This study is designed to address the role of microglia activation in relation to retinal ganglion cell degeneration by directly visualizing the interaction between microglia and RGCs with live imaging with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in experimental glaucoma. We investigate if knocking out the CX3CR1 gene, a gene implicated in mediating the communication between retinal ganglion cells and microglia, could reduce the activation of microglia and enhance the survival of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.
Project Summary
Physical changes happen to the retina during glaucoma. However, these changes can be too small to see with a magnifying device in an eye doctor's office. Dr. Christopher Kai-shun Leung and collaborators will use a machine, called a confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscope, to take live pictures of the retinas in mice before and after they've been given glaucoma through increasing their eye pressure. They suspect that immune cells of the retina, called microglia, could promote damage to retinal neurons. To track their activity, they will specifically make these cells glow in the dark. This is the first study to use live imaging to directly examine the interactions between retinal neurons and microglial cells in glaucoma. In the future, the results from this study could be used to design drugs to prevent the damage to the retina caused by microglia.
Progress Updates
With the objective of investigating the impact of microglia activation on retinal ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma, Dr. Leung’s team has successfully engineered mice that can allow direct visualization of both microglial and retinal ganglion cells, as well as their interaction. They have collected preliminary baseline data regarding the density (number) and the morphology (shape) of microglial and retinal ganglion cells in the retinas of normal healthy animals. The team will then analyze these same changes to the cells in animals with glaucoma. A comparison of the results will allow the team to determine the role of CX3CR1, a gene that is implicated in mediating the communication between retinal ganglion cells and microglia. Therefore, Cx3CR1 could be a potential therapeutic target to enhance retinal ganglion cell survival in glaucoma.
First published on: July 06, 2011
Last modified on: May 05, 2024