Comparative transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses of Muller glia reprogramming

University Of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN

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Abstract

Project Summary: One potentially important approach to restore vision is the regeneration of lost retinal neurons from an endogenous population of retinal cells, the Müller glia. To explore the potential of ultimately stimulating the resident Müller glia in the damaged human retina, we will take a comparative approach using zebrafish (regeneration competent), chick (regeneration limited), and mouse (regeneration refractory). We will conduct a comprehensive and unbiased, comparative analysis of gene expression and chromatin conformation in isolated retinal progenitor cells and Müller glia in developing zebrafish, chick, and mouse retinas. We will also study changes Müller glia from all three model organisms as they are activated/reprogrammed in response to retinal injury (light damage, NMDA) or exposure to extrinsic factors that are capable of inducing their activation in the absence of retinal damage. Aims 1 and 2 will generate transcriptome and chromatin data of genes and chromatin structures that are associated with formation of Müller glia progenitor cells. In Aim 3, we will integrate this data using newly developed bioinformatic analysis to identify transcription factors and transcriptional networks that control neurogenic competence in Müller glia from each organism. In Aim 4, we will validate and test candidate genes in regulating the dedifferentiation of Müller glia in zebrafish, chick, and mice, using a combination of gain- and loss-of-function approaches. This work will begin to identify the transcription factors and miRNAs that regulate the extent of retinal regeneration in the three different model organisms. Understanding how to restore Müller glia to a youthful status will enable targeted regenerative retinal therapies.