Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 15, 2026

An Optic Nerve Crush Injury Murine Model to Study Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival
09:07

An Optic Nerve Crush Injury Murine Model to Study Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival

Published on: April 25, 2011

31.8K

Early Gene Expression Profile in Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer After Optic Nerve Crush in Mice

Satoru Ueno1, Azusa Yoneshige2, Yoshiki Koriyama3

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|January 19, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Optic nerve crush (ONC) triggers early apoptotic gene expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Key genes like Atf3, Lcn2, and Tnfrsf12a may drive RGC loss in glaucoma.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, leading to vision loss.
  • Optic nerve crush (ONC) is a model used to study RGC apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early molecular events and gene expression changes preceding RGC loss after ONC.
  • To identify key genes involved in the apoptotic pathway of RGCs following injury.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiling using DNA microarray at 0, 1, and 4 days post-ONC.
  • RGC enrichment via laser-captured microdissection followed by real-time RT-PCR for selected genes.
  • In situ gene expression localization using immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

  • Significant changes in 1423 and 2010 retinal genes were observed at 1 and 4 days post-ONC, respectively.
  • Genes related to apoptosis, immune response, cell cycle regulation, and ion transport were predominantly affected.
  • Expression of Activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3), Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12a (Tnfrsf12a) were significantly upregulated in RGCs within 4 days.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptotic gene expression is rapidly induced following ONC.
  • Atf3, Lcn2, and Tnfrsf12a are identified as potential key mediators of RGC death in glaucoma.

More Related Videos

In utero and ex vivo Electroporation for Gene Expression in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells25:06

In utero and ex vivo Electroporation for Gene Expression in Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells

Published on: September 24, 2009

19.4K
Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo08:17

Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo

Published on: September 22, 2017

20.1K

Related Concept Videos

Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.6K
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

5.6K
What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
197.2K
What is Gene Expression?01:36

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised  of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...
11.6K
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression02:35

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences  access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area. 
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
25.0K
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
6.7K