Muller glia induce retinal progenitor cells to differentiate into retinal ganglion cells

Neuroreport. 2006 Aug 21;17(12):1263-7. doi: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000227991.23046.b7.

Abstract

Retinal progenitor cells could differentiate into various retinal cells that made cell-replacement therapy possible. Here, we investigated the role of cellular microenvironment on their regulation and differentiation and found that the percentage of proliferating cells and the percentage of retinal ganglion cells produced from them increased, when retinal progenitor cells were cocultured with Muller glia. Muller glia conditioned medium had the similar results. It is speculated that rather than traditional supportive roles, Muller glia may have an active regulatory role inducing retinal progenitor cells to proliferate and differentiate into ganglion cells by secreting some diffusible and membrane-associated factors. Identification of Muller glia-derived factors will be made to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Bromodeoxyuridine / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques / methods
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / pharmacology
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Gestational Age
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Intermediate Filament Proteins / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Nestin
  • Neuroglia / chemistry
  • Neuroglia / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Retina / cytology*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / physiology*
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Thy-1 Antigens / metabolism
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Intermediate Filament Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nes protein, rat
  • Nestin
  • Thy-1 Antigens
  • Bromodeoxyuridine