Topic: Brn3a

Aim: The molecular mechanisms involved in the development and specification of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types have been studied thoroughly in animal models, especially mice. In comparison, human RGCs are much less studied. Our aim was to characterize human RGCs anatomy and molecular markers expression at different fetal life stages in comparison to their mouse orthologues. Methods: The study was conducted on human fetal retinas collected from therapeutic abortion specimens under written informed consent and on C57B6/J mouse retinas. Immunofluorescence staining was performed on vertical

We have recently identified Tusc5 as a Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) marker, specifically expressed in Brn3a+ RGCs, and absent from Brn3aKO retinas. Tusc5 is a transmembrane protein that assists trafficking of Glucose transporter GluT4 in adipocites. GluT4 are continuously recycled through endosomes from and to the plasma membrane and stored in GSVs (Glut4 Storage Vesicles), in an insulin-dependent manner. In adipocites, GluT4 recycling is assisted by Tusc5. In mouse retina, Tusc5 is expressed specifically in a subset of Brn3a+ retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), characterized by small dense “bushy”

Our aim was to investigate the distribution of retinal ganglion cells and visual acuity in hedgehogs, nocturnal insectivores with reputedly poor vision. Adult Erinaceus europaeus and E. roumanicus, two hedgehog species found in Austria, were studied. The eyes were enucleated, fixed, and ocular anatomical parameters were measured. To identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), Brn3a, which is expressed by vision-forming RGCs, and RBPMS, which is expressed by vision- and non-vision-forming RGCs, were visualized by fluorescence immunolabeling of retinal frozen sections and wholemounts. RGC density wa