title: Extracellular Matrix Components Regulate Cellular Polarity and Tissue Structure in the Developing and Mature Retina.
abstract: While genetic networks and other intrinsic mechanisms regulate much of retinal development, interactions with the extracellular environment shape these networks and modify their output. The present review has focused on the role of one family of extracellular matrix molecules and their signaling pathways in retinal development. In addition to their effects on the developing retina, laminins play a role in maintaining Müller cell polarity and compartmentalization, thereby contributing to retinal homeostasis. This article which is intended for the clinical audience, reviews the fundamentals of retinal development, extracellular matrix organization and the role of laminins in retinal development. The role of laminin in cortical development is also briefly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn NY, USA; SUNY Eye Institute, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Shweta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Varshney
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn NY, USA; SUNY Eye Institute, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Dale D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn NY, USA; SUNY Eye Institute, NY, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Brunken
keywords: Dystroglycanopathy; Laminin; Müller Cell; Retinal Progenitor Cell