There is a substantial segment of the human population that suffers from visual impairments due to common retinal ailments such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and visual decline with age. However, humans lack the ability to regenerate damaged retinal tissue; therefore, research exploring gene regulation in regenerative animals can provide important insight to combat retinal diseases. The embryonic chicken can regenerate damaged neural retina from cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This regeneration can occur through day 4 of development. However, by day 5 of development, the ability to regenerate retina is lost. The molecular mechanisms underlying the decline in regenerative capacity are not yet understood. Using RNA-sequencing, we assayed gene expression within developing, injured, and regenerating RPE cells at day 4 of development, as well as developing and injured RPE cells at day 5 of development. Next, we performed integrated pathway enrichment analysis to uncover biological processes that drive RPE injury and regeneration. Our results enabled the quantification of total gene expression, the identification of differentially regulated genes, and uncovered novel pathways that detail the molecular foundations of retinal regeneration. These pathways include the known signaling TGFB and PI3K signaling cascades. Specifically, this research has allowed me to refine laboratory techniques and understand how tissue regeneration is tightly linked with gene regulation, which is integral to my pursuit of a dual graduate / medical degree in tissue engineering.
Author: Alexandra Danciutiu
Advisor: Katia Del Rio-Tsonis, Biology
Graduate Advisor: Jared Tangeman, Biology
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