Role of PKN1 in Retinal Cell Type Formation

We recently identified PKN1 as a developmentally active gatekeeper of the transcription factor neuronal differentiation-2 (NeuroD2) in several brain areas. Since NeuroD2 plays an important role in amacrine cell (AC) and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) type formation, we aimed to study the expression of NeuroD2 in the postnatal retina of WT and Pkn1 animals, with a particular focus on these two cell types. We show that PKN1 is broadly expressed in the retina and that the gross retinal structure is not different between both genotypes. Postnatal retinal NeuroD2 levels were elevated upon Pkn1 knockout, with Pkn1 retinae showing more NeuroD2⁺ cells in the lower portion of the inner nuclear layer. Accordingly, immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased amount of AC in postnatal and adult Pkn1 retinae. There were no differences in horizontal cell, bipolar cell, glial cell and RGC numbers, nor defective axon guidance to the optic chiasm or tract upon Pkn1 knockout. Interestingly, we did, however, see a specific reduction in SMI-32⁺ α-RGC in Pkn1 retinae. These results suggest that PKN1 is important for retinal cell type formation and validate PKN1 for future studies focusing on AC and α-RGC specification and development.