Fgf8 Expression and Degradation of Retinoic Acid Are Required for Patterning a High-Acuity Area in the Retina

Publication date: Available online 22 June 2017
Source:Developmental Cell
Author(s): Susana da Silva, Constance L. Cepko
Species that are highly reliant on their visual system have a specialized retinal area subserving high-acuity vision, e.g., the fovea in humans. Although of critical importance for our daily activities, little is known about the mechanisms driving the development of retinal high-acuity areas (HAAs). Using the chick as a model, we found a precise and dynamic expression pattern of fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) in the HAA anlage, which was regulated by enzymes that degrade retinoic acid (RA). Transient manipulation of RA signaling, or reduction of Fgf8 expression, disrupted several features of HAA patterning, including photoreceptor distribution, ganglion cell density, and organization of interneurons. Notably, patterned expression of RA signaling components was also found in humans, suggesting that RA also plays a role in setting up the human fovea.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the region of the retina responsible for high-acuity vision (the fovea) are largely unknown. Da Silva and Cepko reveal that localized suppression of retinoic acid (RA) signaling regulates chick high-acuity area formation through Fgf8. RA may also control human fovea development.


http://ift.tt/2s3OXrK