Neuroprotectin D1 promotes survival signaling in retinal cells of a mouse model
NPD1 promotes survival signaling in the Ccl2-/-/Cx3cr1-/- mouse AMD model
Summary
The proposed experiments will define changes in the survival messenger neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) and will assess its bioactivity in a model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These "proof of principle" studies will facilitate the initiation of clinical studies in AMD patients.
Details
The experiments in these studies mimic conditions confronted by photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the eye during early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal degenerative diseases. Our studies will define signaling pathways in RPE cells that will help us to understand the role neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) plays in the protection and repair of photoreceptors and RPE cells. This will provide us with insights on the neuroprotective properties of NPD1, which may lead to new therapies and interventions that can be used to treat patients suffering from AMD and other retinal diseases.
Publications
Zhou Y, Sheets KG, Knott EJ, Regan CE Jr, Tuo J, Chan CC, Gordon WC, Bazan NG. (2011) Cellular and 3D optical coherence tomography assessment during the initiation and progression of retinal degeneration in the Ccl2/Cx3cr1-deficient mouse. Exp Eye Res. 2011 Nov 93(5):636-648. 
First published on: April 1, 2010
Last modified on: April 4, 2012