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Investigating Neurogenesis in Birds
Tania Rodrigues1,2, Laurent Brodier1,2, Jean-Marc Matter3,4
1Department of Molecular Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 2, 2019
Summary
The pigeon retina offers a unique model for studying human vision development. Researchers detail methods for using this model to investigate retinal and brain development, aiding research into vision disorders.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Human vision's uniqueness stems from the macula and fovea.
- Understanding their genetic network is crucial for treating macula-related retinopathies.
- Existing animal models lack key similarities to the primate macula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the pigeon retina as a novel model for studying retinal and brain development.
- To provide essential methods for utilizing the pigeon model in research.
Main Methods:
- Precise embryonic staging in pigeons.
- In ovo and ex vivo electroporation for genetic material transfection (plasmids, vectors, siRNAs).
- Live and high-resolution confocal imaging, with data analysis guidelines.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for pigeon embryo manipulation and genetic targeting.
- Demonstrated feasibility of live imaging and high-resolution microscopy in the pigeon retina.
- Provided a framework for data analysis specific to this model.
Conclusions:
- The pigeon retina is a viable and promising model for studying primate macula development.
- The provided methods facilitate research into retinal and brain development using this model.
- This approach can advance understanding of human macula-related retinopathies.
