- 200 views
- 262 downloads
Using zebrafish to develop a precise model of cone photoreceptor ablation and regeneration
-
- Author / Creator
- Fraser, Irene Brittany Morgan
-
We have engineered a novel model of cone photoreceptor regeneration using transgenic zebrafish to induce cell ablation. Zebrafish were engineered to express the E. coli gene nfsB, encoding the protein nitroreductase (NTR), within UV-sensitive cones. We have adapted the metronidazole-nitroreductase method and optimized it for ablation of targeted UV cones. The results demonstrated precise cell ablation of the subset of cones expressing NTR, while other cone types continued to persist. Following ablation, proliferation increased in retinal stem cells, indicating that limited cell death was sufficient to induce regeneration. After regeneration, BrdU co-localized with rods, UV cones and at least one other cone type. Analysis of BrdU-positive cones suggests that a bias exists for new UV cones to replace ablated UV cones. In conclusion, this work engineered and began to characterize a model of inducible cone subtype-specific death that will allow researchers to study cone photoreceptor regeneration in a powerful way.
-
- Subjects / Keywords
-
- Graduation date
- Fall 2011
-
- Type of Item
- Thesis
-
- Degree
- Master of Science
-
- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.