Sonic hedgehog response in photoreceptors in a model of spectral deprivation

RONCO,LAURA; BEJARANO, CLAUDIO ALEJANDRO,; FOSSER, NICOLÁS S,; RÍOS, HUGO; PAGANELLI,ALEJANDRA R.

cordoba

Congreso; Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencias; 2011

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencias

Sonic hedgehog response in photoreceptors in a model of spectral deprivation L. Ronco, C, A. Bejarano, N. S. Fosser, H. Ríos and A. R. Paganelli Inst. de Biol. Cel. y Neurociencias ?Dr. E. de Robertis?. F. Medicina, UBA. Paraguay 2155 (1121). Bs. As. Argentina. Photoreceptor cells have a specialized primary cilium called the outer segment (OS). Mutations that affect OS generally lead to ciliopathies, which include retinal photoreceptor degeneration. Furthermore, macular degeneration is associated to ?blue? light exposure, since blue light wavelengths impart the greatest risk of photochemical damage. The morphogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is essential for photoreceptor differentiation and retinal cell survival during embryonic development. Shh is expressed in the retina during postnatal growth but its function is unclear. With the aim to analyze the response of Shh by light and its function in the OS, we applied a spectral deprivation model. We found a gradual decrease of Shh protein when chickens were reared with long, medium or short wavelength lights compared with a white light group. Our results could indicate progressive retinal cell modifications both structural and functional in these cells. We suggest that Shh signaling may be required to maintain photoreceptors viability throughout life and that their levels are in part regulated by light. UBACyT 20020090200198.