Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Müller Glia Cell Activation in a Laser-induced Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration Model in Zebrafish
Published on: October 27, 2017
Retinal degeneration depends on Bmi1 function and reactivation of cell cycle proteins
Dusan Zencak1, Karine Schouwey, Danian Chen
1Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The epigenetic regulator Bmi1 controls proliferation in many organs. Reexpression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is a hallmark of neuronal apoptosis in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we address the potential role of Bmi1 as a key regulator of cell cycle proteins during neuronal apoptosis. We show that several cell cycle proteins are expressed in different models of retinal degeneration and required in the Rd1 photoreceptor death process. Deleting E2f1, a downstream target of CDKs, provided temporary protection in Rd1 mice. Most importantly, genetic ablation of Bmi1 provided extensive photoreceptor survival and improvement of retinal function in Rd1 mice, mediated by a decrease in cell cycle markers and regulators independent of p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf). These data reveal that Bmi1 controls the cell cycle-related death process, highlighting this pathway as a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in retinal dystrophies.
More Related Videos
04:36An Assay to Detect Protection of the Retinal Vasculature from Diabetes-Related Death in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2024
06:16LipidUNet-Machine Learning-Based Method of Characterization and Quantification of Lipid Deposits Using iPSC-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Published on: July 28, 2023
Related Concept Videos
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Diabetic Retinopathy
Negative Regulator Molecules
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Cells Coordinate Growth and Proliferation
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...