Accumulation of Rhodopsin in Late Endosomes Triggers Photoreceptor Cell Degeneration
Author Information
Author(s): Yashodhan Chinchore, Amitavo Mitra, Patrick J. Dolph
Primary Institution: Department of Biology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
Hypothesis
Does the accumulation of rhodopsin in late endosomes lead to photoreceptor cell death?
Conclusion
The buildup of rhodopsin in late endosomes is a novel trigger for the death of photoreceptor neurons.
Supporting Evidence
- Rhodopsin accumulates in late endosomes in Drosophila mutants.
- Preventing rhodopsin endocytosis rescues photoreceptor degeneration.
- Light exposure leads to massive endocytosis of rhodopsin in photoreceptors.
- Defective lysosomal delivery results in retinal degeneration.
- Accumulation of rhodopsin triggers cell death signaling.
Takeaway
When a protein called rhodopsin builds up in certain parts of eye cells, it can cause those cells to die, leading to vision problems.
Methodology
The study used Drosophila mutants to analyze the effects of rhodopsin accumulation on photoreceptor cell viability.
Limitations
The study is limited to Drosophila models and may not fully represent human retinal degeneration mechanisms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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