Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Generating Retinal Injury Models in Xenopus Tadpoles
Published on: October 13, 2023
Novel targeting strategy for generating mouse models with defects in the retinoid cycle
Carola Driessen1, Huub Winkens, Françoise Haeseleer
1Department of Biochemistry (160), University of Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. c.driessen@ncmls.kun.nl
Abstract:
In addition to RDH5, other enzymes capable of oxidizing 11-cis-retinol are present within the retinal pigment epithelium, Müller cells and/or photoreceptors. Candidate proteins have meanwhile been identified. To study the physiological and pathological aspects of these enzymes, mice in which these genes are no longer functional are being generated. A fast-targeting strategy for the disruption of genes was developed. Generation of double and triple knockouts will aid in determining if these retinol dehydrogenases are responsible for the remaining 11-cis-retinol oxidation observed in RDH5 knockout animals.
Insights
Researchers are developing gene-disrupted mice to study enzymes that oxidize 11-cis-retinol, crucial for vision. This research aims to identify key enzymes involved in visual cycle regulation and potential disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- The visual cycle relies on the oxidation of 11-cis-retinol, a process primarily attributed to RDH5 but potentially involving other enzymes.
- Retinal pigment epithelium, Müller cells, and photoreceptors contain enzymes capable of 11-cis-retinol oxidation, with candidate proteins now identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and pathological roles of enzymes involved in 11-cis-retinol oxidation beyond RDH5.
- To determine if identified retinol dehydrogenases account for residual 11-cis-retinol oxidation in RDH5 knockout models.
Main Methods:
- Development of a rapid gene-targeting strategy for creating gene-disrupted mice.
- Generation of double and triple knockout mouse models to assess the function of multiple retinol dehydrogenases simultaneously.
Main Results:
- Candidate proteins responsible for 11-cis-retinol oxidation have been identified.
- Gene-disrupted mouse models, including double and triple knockouts, are being generated to facilitate functional studies.
Conclusions:
- The generation of gene-disrupted mice is crucial for elucidating the specific roles of various retinol dehydrogenases in the visual cycle.
- Understanding these enzymes' functions is vital for comprehending visual processing and developing therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases.
