Kiyama T, Chen CK, Altay HY, Chen YJ, Sigala L, Su D, Eliason S, Amendt BA, Mao CA (2025) Tbr2-dependent parallel pathways regulate the development of distinct ipRGC subtypes. bioRxiv 2025.04.29.651262. doi: 10.1101/2025.04.29.651262
Objective: To demonstrate that two Tbr2-dependent transcription factors, Iroquois‑related homeobox 1 (Irx1) and T-box containing factor 20 (Tbx20), are key downstream transcription factors guiding lineage segregations of Tbr2-expressing RGC into distinct adult intrinsically photo sensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGC) subtypes.
Summary: Both transcription factors, Irx1 and Tbx20, also control Opn4 expression. When Irx1 is ablated during retinal development, Opn4 expression is significantly reduced in the M3, M4, and M5 ipRGC groups; however, the formation of Irx1-expressing ipRGCs is not affected. In contrast, when Tbx20 is deleted, a significant number of Tbx20-expressing cells fail to develop while Opn4 expression is down-regulated. These findings reveal two parallel transcription cascades downstream of Tbr2 for controlling ipRGC subtype formation, fate divergence, and maintenance in the adult retina.
Usage: Retinal sections or flat-mounted retinas were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and then incubated with the Anti-Melanopsin (AB-N39).
Related Products: Melanopsin Rabbit Polyclonal, affinity-purified (Cat. #AB-N39)