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Abstract #51025 Published in IGR 14-3
The Bcl-2 family member BIM has multiple glaucoma-relevant functions in DBA/2J mice
Harder JM; Fernandes KA; Libby RTScientific reports 2012; 2: 530
Axonal insult induces retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death through a BAX-dependent process. The pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member BIM is known to induce BAX activation. BIM expression increased in RGCs after axonal injury and its induction was dependent on JUN. Partial and complete Bim deficiency delayed RGC death after mechanical optic nerve injury. However, in a mouse model of glaucoma, DBA/2J mice, Bim deficiency did not prevent RGC death in eyes with severe optic nerve degeneration. In a subset of DBA/2J mice, Bim deficiency altered disease progression resulting in less severe nerve damage. Bim deficient mice exhibited altered optic nerve head morphology and significantly lessened intraocular pressure elevation. Thus, a decrease in axonal degeneration in Bim deficient DBA/2J mice may not be caused by a direct role of Bim in RGCs. These data suggest that BIM has multiple roles in glaucoma pathophysiology, potentially affecting susceptibility to glaucoma through several mechanisms.
Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Full articleClassification:
5.1 Rodent (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
3.4.2 Gene studies (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods > 3.4 Molecular genetics)
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)