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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Serine-27-phenylalanine mutation within the peripherin/RDS gene in a family with cone dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and electrophysiologic findings in a family with two heterozygous sequence changes in the peripherin-retinal degeneration slow (RDS) gene. METHODS: A family study was done of a pedigree obtained by screening for rhodopsin, peripherin/RDS, or rom-1 gene mutations in probands from families with hereditary retinal diseases. The patients consisted of three affected and four unaffected members from a family with cone dystrophy. Ophthalmoscopy, visual field testing, electroretinography, and DNA analysis were performed. RESULTS: Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed the presence of two different sequence changes in the RDS genes of this family. In three members with a retinal disease, the authors observed the substitution of phenylalanine for serine in codon 27 (serine-27-phenylalanine). The clinical and functional findings in these three patients were most consistent with autosomal-dominant cone dystrophy. Three other family members, unaffected with retinal disease, were found to show a substitution of serine for cysteine in codon 72 of the peripherin protein. CONCLUSION: A peripherin/RDS sequence change may produce a cone dystrophy with minimal ophthalmoscopic changes in the macula and limited peripheral degenerative changes. Caution is warranted to avoid ascribing nondisease-causing sequence polymorphisms in candidate genes as responsible for determining the development of a retinal disease phenotype.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Pathways to motor neuron degeneration in transgenic mouse models.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurological disorder characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons. A pathological hallmark of both sporadic and familial ALS is the presence of abnormal accumulations of neurofilament and peripherin proteins in motor neurons. In the past decade, transgenic mouse approaches have been used to address the role of such cytoskeletal abnormalities in motor neuron disease and also to unravel the pathogenesis caused by mutations in the gene coding for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) that account for ~20% of familial ALS cases. In mouse models, disparate effects could result from different types of intermediate filament (IF) aggregates. Perikaryal IF accumulations induced by the overexpression of any of the three wild-type neurofilament proteins were quite well tolerated by motor neurons. Indeed, perikaryal swellings provoked by NF-H overexpression can even confer protection against toxicity of mutant SOD1. Other types of IF aggregates seem neurotoxic, such as those found in transgenic mice overexpressing either peripherin or an assembly-disrupting NF-L mutant. Moreover, understanding the toxicity of SOD1 mutations has been surprisingly difficult. The analysis of transgenic mice expressing mutant SOD1 has yielded complex results, suggesting that multiple pathways may contribute to disease that include the involvement of non-neuronal cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Mutations in the human retinal degeneration slow (RDS) gene can cause either retinitis pigmentosa or macular dystrophy.

Mutations in the RDS gene, which encodes the photoreceptor glycoprotein peripherin, have been sought in families with autosomal dominant retinal dystrophies. A cysteine deletion at codon 118/119 is associated with retinitis pigmentosa in one. Three families with similar macular dystrophy have mutations at codon 172, arginine being substituted by tryptophan in two and by glutamine in one. A stop sequence at codon 258 exists in a family with adult vitelliform macular dystrophy. These findings demonstrate that both retinitis pigmentosa and macular dystrophies are caused by mutations in RDS and that the functional significance of certain amino-acids in peripherin-RDS may be different in cones and rods.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Topological analysis of peripherin/rds and abnormal glycosylation of the pathogenic Pro216-->Leu mutation.

Peripherin/ rds is an integral membrane glycoprotein found in the rim regions of vertebrate photoreceptor cell discs. The protein is believed to be involved in both formation and maintenance of the characteristic flattened morphology of the outer segment discs and its essential nature is demonstrated by the wide range of retinal degenerative disorders in which the protein has an involvement. Little structural data has been determined for peripherin/ rds, but a topological model of the protein has been proposed. In this paper, we present the first direct evidence for the topology of the protein through the use of scanning glycosylation mutagenesis. Both the topological data and the observation that only the Asn(229) site is efficiently glycosylated in this in vitro transcription/translation system support the common hypotheses. Additionally, expression of the Pro(216)-->Leu mutant demonstrates an abnormal glycosylation pattern, which may explain the mechanism by which this mutation precipitates a retinal degenerative phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Apoptotic photoreceptor cell death in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited human diseases in which photoreceptor degeneration leads to visual loss and eventually to blindness. Although mutations in the rhodopsin, peripherin, and cGMP phosphodiesterase genes have been identified in some forms of RP, it remains to be determined whether these mutations lead to photoreceptor cell death through necrotic or apoptotic mechanisms. In this paper, we report a test of the hypothesis that photoreceptor cell death occurs by an apoptotic mechanism in three mouse models of RP: retinal degeneration slow (rds) caused by a peripherin mutation, retinal degeneration (rd) caused by a defect in cGMP phosphodiesterase, and transgenic mice carrying a rhodopsin Q344ter mutation responsible for autosomal dominant RP. Two complementary techniques were used to detect apoptosis-specific internucleosomal DNA fragmentation: agarose gel electrophoresis and in situ labeling of apoptotic cells by terminal dUTP nick end labeling. Both methods showed extensive apoptosis of photoreceptors in all three mouse models of retinal degeneration. We also show that apoptotic death occurs in the retina during normal development, suggesting that different mechanisms can cause photoreceptor death by activating an intrinsic death program in these cells. These findings raise the possibility that retinal degenerations may be slowed by interfering with the apoptotic mechanism itself.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2001

Folding and subunit assembly of photoreceptor peripherin/rds is mediated by determinants within the extracellular/intradiskal EC2 domain: implications for heterogeneous molecular pathologies.

Peripherin/rds is an integral membrane protein required for the elaboration of rod and cone photoreceptor outer segments in the vertebrate retina; it causes a surprising variety of progressive retinal degenerations in humans and dysmorphic photoreceptors in murine models if defective or absent. (Peripherin/rds is also known as photoreceptor peripherin, peripherin/rds, rds/peripherin, rds, and peripherin-2.) Peripherin/rds appears to act as a structural element in outer segment architecture. However, neither its function at the molecular level nor its role in retinal disease processes are well understood. This report initiates a systematic investigation of protein domain structure and function by examining the molecular and cellular consequences of a series of 14 insertional mutations distributed throughout the polypeptide sequence. Protein expression, disulfide bonding, sedimentation velocity, and subcellular localization of the COS-1 cell-expressed mutant variants were examined to test the hypothesis that protein folding and tetrameric subunit assembly are mediated primarily by EC2, a conserved extracellular/intradiskal domain. Protein folding and tetrameric subunit assembly were not affected by insertion of either an uncharged dipeptide (GA) or a highly charged hendecapeptide (GDYKDDDDKAA) into any one of nine sites residing outside of EC2 as assayed by nonreducing Western blot analysis, sedimentation velocity, and subcellular localization. In contrast, insertions at five positions within the EC2 domain did cause either gross protein misfolding (two sites) or a reduction in protein sedimentation coefficient (two sites) or both (one site). These results indicate that although the vast majority of extramembranous polypeptide sequence makes no measurable contribution to protein folding and tetramerization, discrete regions within the EC2 domain do contain determinants for normal subunit assembly. These findings raise the possibility that multiple classes of structural perturbation are produced by inherited defects in peripherin/rds and contribute to the observed heterogeneity of retinal disease phenotypes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

The C terminus of peripherin/rds participates in rod outer segment targeting and alignment of disk incisures.

Protein targeting is essential for domain specialization in polarized cells. In photoreceptors, three distinct membrane domains exist in the outer segment: plasma membrane, disk lamella, and disk rim. Peripherin/retinal degeneration slow (rds) and rom-1 are photoreceptor-specific members of the transmembrane 4 superfamily of transmembrane proteins, which participate in disk morphogenesis and localize to rod outer segment (ROS) disk rims. We examined the role of their C termini in targeting by generating transgenic Xenopus laevis expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins. A GFP fusion containing residues 317-336 of peripherin/rds localized uniformly to disk membranes. A longer fusion (residues 307-346) also localized to the ROS but exhibited higher affinity for disk rims than disk lamella. In contrast, the rom-1 C terminus did not promote ROS localization. The GFP-peripherin/rds fusion proteins did not immunoprecipitate with peripherin/rds or rom-1, suggesting this region does not form intermolecular interactions and is not involved in subunit assembly. Presence of GFP-peripherin/rds fusions correlated with disrupted incisures, disordered ROS tips, and membrane whorls. These abnormalities may reflect competition of the fusion proteins for other proteins that interact with peripherin/rds. This work describes novel roles for the C terminus of peripherin/rds in targeting and maintaining ROS structure and its potential involvement in inherited retinal degenerations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

A novel model for rapid induction of apoptosis in spiral ganglions of mice.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The survival of the spiral ganglion (SG) is a critical issue in preservation of hearing. Research on topics related to this issue requires a mouse experimental model because such a model has advantages including use of genetic information and knockout or "knockin" mice. Thus, the aim of the study was to establish a mouse model for induction of apoptosis of SG neurons with a definite time course. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory study using experimental animals. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were used as experimental animals and were subjected to direct application of cisplatin into the inner ear. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunostaining for Neurofilament 200-kD (NF) and peripherin were used for analysis of SG degeneration. In addition, generation of peroxynitrite in affected spiral ganglions was examined by immunostaining for nitrotyrosine. Cellular location of activated caspase-9 and cytochrome-c in dying SG neurons were examined for analysis of cell death pathway. RESULTS: The TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical analysis for NF and peripherin indicated that type I neurons in spiral ganglions were deleted through the apoptotic pathway over time. Spiral ganglion neurons treated with cisplatin exhibited expression of nitrotyrosine, indicating induction of peroxynitrite by cisplatin. In dying SG neurons, expression of activated caspase-9 and translocation of cytochrome-c from mitochondria to cytoplasm were observed, indicating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The predictable fashion of induction of apoptosis in SG neurons over a well-defined time course in the model in the study will aid studies of the molecular mechanism of cell death and elucidation of a strategy for prevention of SG degeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Ultrastructural localization of nuclear antigens during interphase in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts.

Thin sections of mouse 3T3 fibroblast nuclei labelled by immunoperoxidase with anti-nuclear antibodies I1, PI1, PI2, anti-peripherin, -lamin, and -centromere have been examined in the electron microscope. Staining was compared with the corresponding immunofluorescence labelling patterns, and was correlated with nuclear ultrastructure in conventionally fixed and uranyl-lead stained samples and in unlabelled immunoperoxidase controls. Peripherin was detected at the nuclear rim in a band broader and more irregular than the lamins/lamina. The peripheral components of PI1 and PI2 appear to be localized at nuclear pores and the nuclear envelope, respectively. The internal component of PI1 staining consisted of irregular patches and strands in the nucleoplasm, closely resembling snRNP staining as reported by others. Internal P12 labelling consisted of spots distributed apparently at random in interchromatinic regions. The spots resembled labelling by antibody I1, but were fewer and more irregular in size. Neither the PI2 nor the I1 spots were centromere associated, nor could they be correlated with specific interchromatinic structures in conventional preparations and in unlabelled controls. The results support the hypothesis that the nucleus is segregated into function-specific domains, distinguished by morphology and (or) composition from surrounding regions of the nucleus.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Brush cells of rodent gallbladder and stomach epithelia express neurofilaments.

It has been suggested that brush cells (BCs), a distinct type of cell occurring in various epithelia of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, may function as receptor cells. The major characteristics of BCs are a prominent brush border and an unusually highly ordered arrangement of cytoskeletal elements (F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments). In this study we aimed to characterize the nature of the intermediate filaments in BCs by light and electron microscopic immunostaining. Gallbladder and stomach specimens from mice and rats, respectively, were fixed in various solutions, embedded either in paraffin or epoxy resin, and processed for immunodetection. Commercially available, well-characterized antibodies against neurofilaments, peripherin, and cytokeratin peptide 18 were used. The polyclonal antiserum cocktail to neurofilaments was applied as a supplement in a double-labeling procedure with anti-actin and anti-cytokeratin 18 antibodies. The results demonstrate that the BCs of both organs express two types of intermediate filaments, i.e., neurofilaments and cytokeratin 18 filaments, and that these have a compartmentalized distribution in the cytoplasm. BCs do not express peripherin. The immunodetection of intermediate filaments distinctive for mature neurons in BCs supports their putative receptor function. The co-expression of neurofilaments and cytokeratins is shown for the first time in healthy tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Identification of two N-terminal non-alpha-helical domain motifs important in the assembly of glial fibrillary acidic protein.

The non-alpha-helical N-terminal domain of intermediate filament proteins plays a key role in filament assembly. Previous studies have identified a nonapeptide motif, SSYRRIFGG, in the non-alpha-helical N-terminal domain of vimentin that is required for assembly. This motif is also found in desmin, peripherin and the type IV intermediate filament proteins. GFAP is the only type III intermediate filament protein in which this motif is not readily identified. This study has identified two motifs in the non-alpha-helical N-terminal domain of mouse GFAP that play important roles in GFAP assembly. One motif is located at the very N terminus and has the consensus sequence, MERRRITS-ARRSY. It has some characteristics in common with the vimentin nonapeptide motif, SSYRRIFGG, including its location in the non-alpha-helical N-terminal domain and a concentration of arginine residues. Unlike the vimentin motif in which even conserved sequence changes affect filament assembly, the GFAP consensus sequence, MERRRITS-ARRSY, can be replaced by a completely unrelated sequence; namely, the heptapeptide, MVRANKR, derived from the lambda cII protein. When fused to GFAP sequences with sequential deletions of the N-terminal domain, the lambda cII heptapeptide was used to help identify a second motif, termed the RP-box, which is located just upstream of the GFAP alpha-helical rod domain. This RP-box affected the efficiency of filament assembly as well as protein-protein interactions in the filament, as shown by sedimentation assays and electron microscopy. These results are supported by previous data, which showed that the dramatic reorganization of GFAP within cells was due to phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of a site located in this RP-box. The results in this study suggest the RP-box motif to be a key modulator in the mechanism of GFAP assembly, and support a role for this motif in both the nucleation and elongation phases of filament assembly. The RP-box motif in GFAP has the consensus sequence, RLSL-RM-PP. Sequences similar to the GFAP RP-box motif are also to be found in vimentin, desmin and peripherin. Like GFAP, these include phosphorylation and proteolysis sites and are adjacent to the start of the central alpha-helical rod domain, suggesting that this motif of general importance to type III intermediate filament protein assembly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

A functional role for small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in sensory pathways including nociceptive processes.

We investigated the role of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in modulating sensory transmission from peripheral afferents into the rat spinal cord. Subunit-specific antibodies reveal high levels of SK3 immunoreactivity in laminas I, II, and III of the spinal cord. Among dorsal root ganglion neurons, both peripherin-positive (C-type) and peripherin-negative (A-type) cells show intense SK3 immunoreactivity. Furthermore, dorsal root-stimulated sensory responses recorded in vitro are inhibited when SK channel activity is increased with 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO). In vivo electrophysiological recordings show that neuronal responses to naturally evoked nociceptive and nonnociceptive stimuli increase after application of the selective SK channel blocker 8,14-diaza-1,7(1,4)-diquinolinacyclotetradecaphanedium di-trifluoroacetate (UCL 1848), indicating that SK channels are normally active in moderating afferent input. Conversely, neuronal responses evoked by mechanical stimuli are inhibited when SK channel activity is increased with 1-EBIO. These effects are reversed by the subsequent application of UCL 1848. Our data demonstrate that SK channels have an important role in controlling sensory input into the spinal cord.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Immunohistochemistry for intestinal ganglion cells and nerve fibers: aid in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.

Hirschsprung's disease is a disease of congenital abnormalities characterized by absence of the enteric ganglion cell of the colon. To make a definite diagnosis, biopsy of the aganglionic zones of colon is required. A specimen from submucosal biopsy of the colon is very small and difficult to identify submucosal ganglion cells. Our study reports an immunohistochemical technique to detect submucosal ganglion cells. Six antineural markers, peripherin, cathepsin D, PGP 9.5, synaptophysin, chromogranin and S-100 protein, were used. The best antibody for the detection of submucosal ganglion cells in our study was peripherin. The additional measurement of nerve fiber caliber using S-100 protein staining is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. It can be applied to the suction submucosal biopsy in a patient suspected of having Hirschsprung's disease, therefore, the complicated full thickness colonic and rectal biopsy can be avoided.

Biomarkers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Alpha-internexin expression in medulloblastomas and atypical teratoid-rhabdoid tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether medulloblastomas and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors express alpha-internexin, an intermediate filament protein that is expressed in normal neurons undergoing maturation and differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 medulloblastomas and 5 atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors were examined for the immunohistochemical expression of alpha-internexin, as well as the neuronal markers peripherin and synaptophysin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. RESULTS: Overall, 21 of 28 medulloblastomas (75%) expressed alpha-internexin. More specifically, alpha-internexin expression was observed in 6 of 10 (60%) classic medulloblastomas, 12 of 14 (86%) desmoplastic medulloblastomas, 2 of 3 (67%) nodular medulloblastomas, and in one medullomyoblastoma. Similarly, 4 of 5 (80%) atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors expressed alpha-internexin. The extent of staining for alpha-internexin tended to be less than that of synaptophysin for both medulloblastomas (75% vs 93%) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (80% vs 100%). In contrast to alpha-internexin, peripherin was expressed in only 4 medulloblastomas and one atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha-internexin is expressed in the majority of medulloblastomas and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, indicating that these primitive tumors usually exhibit neuronal differentiation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Prospects for gene therapy.

Inherited retinal disease, which includes conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), affects about 1/3000 of the population in the Western world. It is characterized by gradual loss of vision and results from mutations in any one of 60 or so different genes. There are currently no effective treatments, but many of the genes have now been identified and their functions elucidated, providing a major impetus to develop gene-based treatments. Many of the disease genes are photoreceptor- or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell specific. Since adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can be used for efficient gene transfer to these two cell types, we are developing AAV-mediated gene therapy approaches for inherited retinal degeneration using animal models that have defects in these cells. The retinal degeneration slow (rds or Prph2Rd2/Rd) mouse, a model of recessive RP, lacks a functional gene encoding peripherin 2, which is a photoreceptor-specific protein required for the formation of outer segment discs. We have previously demonstrated restoration of photoreceptor ultrastructure and function by AAV-mediated gene transfer of peripherin 2. We have now extended our assessment to central visual neuronal responses in order to show an improvement of central visual function. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat, provides another model of recessive RP. Here the defect is due to a defect in Mertk, a gene that is expressed in the RPE and encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that is thought to be involved in the recognition and binding of outer segment debris. The gene defect results in the inability of the RPE to phagocytose the shed outer segments from photoreceptor cells. The resulting accumulation of debris between the RPE and the neuroretina leads to progressive loss of photoreceptor cells. AAV-mediated delivery of Mertk to the RPE results in reduction of debris indicating that the phagocytosing function of the RPE is restored and delays the degeneration of the photoreceptor cells 3-4 months. Our results, along with those of other groups support the use of AAV vectors for the treatment of inherited retinal degeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The "lamin B-fold". Anti-idiotypic antibodies reveal a structural complementarity between nuclear lamin B and cytoplasmic intermediate filament epitopes.

Previous studies have shown that nuclear lamin B binds specifically to the C-terminal domains of type III intermediate filament (IF) proteins under in vitro conditions. To further explore such site-specific interactions, we have used a two-step anti-idiotypic antibody approach. First, a monoclonal antibody disrupting the cytoplasmic IF network organization of living cells (mAb7A3) (Matteoni, R., and Kreis, T. E. (1987) J. Cell Biol. 105, 1253-1265) was characterized. Epitope mapping demonstrated that this antibody recognized a site located in the C-terminal domains of vimentin and peripherin (type III IF proteins). mAb7A3 was able to inhibit more than 80% of the in vitro binding of nuclear lamin B to PI, a synthetic peptide modeled after the C-terminal domain of peripherin that comprises a lamin B-binding site (Djabali, K., Portier, M. M., Gros, F., Blobel, G., and Georgatos, S. D. (1991) Cell 64, 109-121). In a second step, animals were immunized with mAb7A3 and the resulting anti-idiotypic sera were screened. Two of these antisera reacted specifically with nuclear lamin B but not with type A lamins or cytoplasmic IF proteins. The anti-lamin B activity of one of the antisera was isolated by affinity chromatography using a lamin B-agarose matrix. The reaction of these affinity-purified antibodies with lamin B was inhibited by mAb7A3. Furthermore, the anti-lamin B antibodies reacted with Fab fragments of mAb7A3 and abolished binding of lamin B to PI. From these data we conclude that anti-idiotypic antibodies against the paratope of mAb7A3 recognize specific epitopes of the lamin B molecule that have shapes complementary to the one of the C-terminal domain of type III IF proteins. We speculate that these (regional) conformations, which we term the "lamin B-fold," may also occur in non-lamin proteins that mediate the anchorage of IFs to various membranous organelles.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

RDS gene mutations causing retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration lead to the same abnormality in photoreceptor function.

PURPOSE: To investigate functional abnormalities in mutations in the peripherin (RDS) gene leading to different clinical types of autosomal dominant retinal disease--macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS: Patients from two families, one with a mutation in codon 167 (Gly167Asp) leading to macular degeneration and another with a mutation in codon 210 (Pro210Ser) leading to retinitis pigmentosa, were studied with clinical examinations and measurements of rod and cone sensitivities and dark adaptation, electroretinography, and rhodopsin levels. RESULTS: Mildly affected patients had sizable rod and cone electroretinograms, reduced levels of rhodopsin, and minor losses of sensitivity. In both mutations, there were delays of rod and cone dark adaptation after bleaching, and the adaptational abnormalities were observed in peripheral and central retinal locations. Analysis of the kinetics of rod adaptation indicates that the underlying abnormalities are similar in both mutations and that the effects of the mutations are similar to those caused by mild systemic vitamin A deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the Gly167Asp and Pro210Ser mutations in the peripherin/RDS gene have widely different clinical phenotypes but show the same abnormality, slowed dark adaptation, of rod and cone photoreceptor function. The similarities of the characteristics of the adaptational abnormalities in the two genotypes suggest that, in addition to the structural roles normally assumed for it, peripherin influences or participates in the function of the visual cycle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Regional expression of disease-related genes in human and monkey retina.

PURPOSE: Although specific genes play a role in regional retinal disease, the correlation of regional gene expression in the disease-affected site has not been previously ascertained. Non-human primates are widely used in models of human retinal function and are theorized to have identical (to human) patterns of expression, but no correlation between primate and human regional retinal gene expression has ever been performed. We wanted to evaluate the pattern of regional gene expression for a number of genes whose dysfunctions are known to selectively affect specific regions of the human retina, and to determine whether patterns of regional gene expression in nonhuman primates correlate with the human. METHODS: Human and rhesus monkey eyes were dissected into retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid and isolated RPE. Retinal regions were dissected, total RNA was isolated and northern analysis performed. Complementary DNA (cDNA) probes were prepared from genes associated with regional retinal disease. These genes are: rod opsin, the alpha-subunit of rod phosphodiesterase, RDS-peripherin, rod outer membrane (ROM) protein, ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), choroideremia gene product (CHM), tissue specific inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3), and red/green photoreceptor pigment protein. We also compared expression of Norrie disease product (NDP), a gene whose mutation is known to globally affect the retina. RESULTS: Rod-specific mRNA expression is highest in the retinal midperiphery, and cone-specific mRNA levels were highest in total RNA from the cone-dominant fovea. mRNA levels for genes coding for proteins expressed in both rod- and cone photoreceptors (RDS-peripherin and ROM-1) are also highest in total RNA from the retinal midperiphery. Regional mRNA levels of CHM and OAT do not directly correlate with their patterns of disease expression. NDP mRNA expression was equivalent in both fovea and midperipheral retina total RNA. Patterns of gene expression were qualitatively similar for both human and rhesus monkey retina. CONCLUSIONS: Regional retinal gene expression is an important factor in regional disease. However, for genes not solely expressed by a single photoreceptor subtype, other factors, such as regional metabolic differences, intra- and intercellular interactions, are also likely to be important in predisposing a single retinal region to disease. The pattern of neural retina OAT mRNA expression may have important implications in determining the appropriate tissue approach in gene therapy for gyrate atrophy. Regional retinal gene expression likely plays a significant, but nonexclusive role in the development of regional retinal disease.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗