RUI: Characterization of the Interphotoreceptor Matrix of the Cone-Dominant Ground Squirrel Retia

最近的研究表明，视网膜的光感受器高度依赖于视网膜色素上皮（RPE）。RPE和光感受器之间的界面是一个复杂的大分子网络，即光感受器间基质（IPM）。IPM包围着光感受器的外部部分，任何营养物质或废物都必须通过它。IMP还含有防止视网膜脱离的视网膜粘附于RPE所必需的大分子。本研究的主要目的是分析一种不寻常的视网膜中IPM的组织和成分，即地松鼠的锥显性视网膜。本科学生将接受光学和电子显微镜技术以及生化研究方面的培训。由于其高视锥密度，地松鼠视网膜可以作为灵长类动物和人类视网膜中央凹区域的模型。与蓝色和绿色敏感视锥细胞相关的IPM结构域将被分析其解剖学和生化差异，以确定它们与其他哺乳动物有哪些共同特征，哪些可能是地松鼠视网膜本身所独有的。从这些研究中获得的见解将补充灵长类动物视网膜和中央窝的研究，并应证明与人类视网膜相关。

Recent research indicates that the photoreceptors of the retina are highly dependent upon the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The interface between the RPE and light receptors is a complex network of macromolecules, the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM). The IPM surrounds the outer segments of the light receptors and any nutrient or waste product must pass through it. The IMP also contains macromolecules necessary for retinal adhesion to the RPE which prevent retinal detachment. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the organization and components of the IPM in an unusual retina, the cone-dominant retina of the ground squirrel. Undergraduate students will be trained in light- and electron- microscopic techniques as well as biochemical studies. Because of its high cone density, the ground squirrel retina can serve as a model of the foveal area of primate and human retinas. The IPM domains associated with blue- and green-sensitive cones will be analyzed for their anatomical and biochemical differences in an effort to determine which features they share with other mammals and which may be unique to the ground squirrel retina, itself. Insights gained from these studies will supplement studies of the primate retina and fovea and should prove relevant to the human retina.