GD3 synthase deletion alters retinal structure and impairs visual function in mice

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids abundantly expressed in the vertebrate nervous system, and are classified into a-, b-, or c-series according to the number of sialic acid residues. The enzyme GD3 synthase converts GM3 (an a-series ganglioside) into GD3, a b-series ganglioside highly expressed in the developing and adult retina. The present study evaluated the visual system of GD3 synthase knockout mice (GD3s^-/- ), morphologically and functionally. The absence of b- series gangliosides in the retinas of knockout animals was confirmed by mass spectrometry imaging, which also indicated an accumulation of a-series gangliosides, such as GM3. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) density was significantly reduced in GD3s^-/- mice, with a similar reduction in the number of axons in the optic nerve. Knockout animals also showed a 15% reduction in the number of photoreceptor nuclei, but no difference in the bipolar cells. The area occupied by GFAP-positive glial cells was smaller in GD3s^-/- retinas, but the number of microglial cells/macrophages did not change. In addition to the morphological alterations, a 30% reduction in light responsiveness was detected through quantification of pS6-expressing RGC, an indicator of neural activity. Furthermore, electroretinography (ERG) indicated a significant reduction in RGC and photoreceptor electrical activity in GD3s^-/- mice, as indicated by scotopic ERG and pattern ERG (PERG) amplitudes. Finally, evaluation of the optomotor response demonstrated that GD3s^-/- mice have reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. These results suggest that b-series gangliosides play a critical role in regulating the structure and function of the mouse visual system.