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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
A Laser-induced Mouse Model of Chronic Ocular Hypertension to Characterize Visual Defects
Published on: August 14, 2013
[Cloning and screening of retina damage related genes in experimental rabbit chronic ocular hypertension]
Xiu-qing Wang1, Xiang-ge He, Gang Feng
1Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.
Objective:
To construct the subtractive differentially expressed genes cDNA library of retina in rabbits with chronic ocular hypertension then to clone and screen the genes that related with retina damage.
Methods:
Rabbit chronic ocular hypertension model was Established by injecting 1% methylcellulose into anterior chamber once a week for 5 weeks. Total RNA was extracted from retina of experimental and control rabbit eyes. Differentially expressed cDNAs libraries between chronic ocular hypertension eyes and control eyes were constructed using suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH) and then the preliminary data was screened for gene expression. One of upregulation expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was labeled with biotin as a probe. Cellular location of the interested genes in retina was identified by in situ hybridization.
Results:
The constructed subtractive cDNA library that related to retina damage of chronic ocular hypertension was established and sixteen effective sequences were obtained. Two known expressed sequence tags (similarity over 98%) were found by BLAST Analyze in NCBI. The EST(number F9) was 99% similar to Ras genes family. Through ISH cellular location it was found the gene highly expressed in retina ganglion cells and inner nuclear layer of experimental retina but not in controls.
Conclusions:
There was abnormal gene expression in rabbit retina in response to chronic ocular hypertension. Our result suggests EST F9 may play an important role in retina damage under chronic ocular hypertension. The subtractive differentially expressed genes cDNA library could provide valuable information in the research of optical neuro damage and protection in glaucoma.
Insights
Researchers created a subtractive cDNA library to identify genes involved in retina damage from chronic ocular hypertension. They found an EST (F9) similar to Ras genes, highly expressed in specific retinal cells, suggesting its role in ocular hypertension-induced damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Chronic ocular hypertension is a significant risk factor for optic nerve damage.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of retinal damage in ocular hypertension is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Previous research has identified genetic factors contributing to glaucoma, but specific genes involved in early retinal damage remain largely unknown.
Purpose:
- To construct a subtractive differentially expressed genes cDNA library from the retina of rabbits with chronic ocular hypertension.
- To clone and screen genes associated with retinal damage.
- To investigate the cellular localization of identified genes within the retina.
Summary:
- A rabbit model of chronic ocular hypertension was established. Suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH) was used to construct a subtractive cDNA library, identifying differentially expressed genes in the retina.
- Sixteen effective sequences were obtained, with one EST (F9) showing 99% similarity to the Ras gene family.
- In situ hybridization revealed that EST F9 is highly expressed in retinal ganglion cells and the inner nuclear layer of experimental retinas, but not in controls.
Impact:
- This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of retinal damage in chronic ocular hypertension.
- The identified EST F9 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ocular hypertension-induced retinal damage.
- The subtractive cDNA library serves as a valuable resource for future research on optic neuroprotection in glaucoma.
