Roles of retinal subtype of cells to construct inflammatory network in the degenerating retinas
We are focusing on analysis and development of therapeutic strategy of the retina photoreceptor degeneration. Recent evidences strongly indicate roles of ocular inflammation in progression of degeneration. Microglia is CNS specific macrophage like cells, and is activated when retina is damaged. Since microglia secrets various biological active molecules such as chemokines, its roles in retinal degeneration is paid attention. We are working on this issue using various models of mouse photoreceptor degeneration, and found that not only microglia, but also other retinal cells such as Mueller glia, RPE are also play roles for ocular inflammation. Co-ordinated molecular networks of microglia and other cells may determine progression of neural degeneration. Therefore, to obtain comprehensive transcriptome data of retinal subsets during photoreceptor degeneration is one of key issues to clarify molecular events in the retina.