Thyroid-beta2 and the retinoid RAR-alpha, RXR-gamma and ROR-beta2 receptor mRNAs; expression profiles in mouse retina, retinal explants and neocortex

Neuroreport. 2002 May 7;13(6):745-50. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200205070-00003.

Abstract

In neonatal retinal explants cultured long-term green cones are missing. Recently it was reported that thyroid hormone beta2 receptors (TR-beta2) are essential for these green cones to differentiate. Therefore transcript level of these receptors was investigated in our mouse retinal explants. However, thyroid receptors function as heterodimers with retinoid receptors (RR); so the fate of selected RRs was similarly analyzed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Loss of TR-beta2 and RR (RXR-gamma and ROR-beta2) mRNAs was observed after culturing the neonatal retina for 12 days. This indicates that these proteins are involved in determination of green cone identity. In addition, levels of the selected RR transcripts are differentially affected by short- or long-term culture. In the latter case an attached retinal pigment epithelium seems to play a protective role. Furthermore, divergent diurnal peaks of RR mRNAs are present in young as well as aged mouse retina and neocortex. This data might be relevant in the context of human ageing disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Circadian Rhythm / genetics
  • Dark Adaptation / genetics
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Neocortex / cytology
  • Neocortex / growth & development*
  • Neocortex / metabolism
  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2
  • Organ Culture Techniques / methods
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear*
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / genetics*
  • Receptors, Thyroid Hormone / genetics*
  • Retina / cytology
  • Retina / growth & development*
  • Retina / metabolism
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha
  • Retinoid X Receptors
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / physiology
  • Up-Regulation / genetics

Substances

  • Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2
  • RARA protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Rara protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid
  • Receptors, Thyroid Hormone
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha
  • Retinoid X Receptors
  • Transcription Factors