Abnormal photoreceptor outer segment development and early retinal degeneration in kif3a mutant zebrafish

Raghupathy, R. K., Zhang, X., Alhasani, R. H., Zhou, X., Mullin, M., Reilly, J., Li, W., Liu, M. and Shu, X. (2016) Abnormal photoreceptor outer segment development and early retinal degeneration in kif3a mutant zebrafish. Cell Biochemistry and Function, 34(6), pp. 429-440. (doi: 10.1002/cbf.3205) (PMID:27470972)

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Abstract

Photoreceptors are highly specialized sensory neurons that possess a modified primary cilium called the outer segment. Photoreceptor outer segment formation and maintenance require highly active protein transport via a process known as intraflagellar transport. Anterograde transport in outer segments is powered by the heterotrimeric kinesin II and coordinated by intraflagellar transport proteins. Here, we describe a new zebrafish model carrying a nonsense mutation in the kinesin II family member 3A (kif3a) gene. Kif3a mutant zebrafish exhibited curved body axes and kidney cysts. Outer segments were not formed in most parts of the mutant retina, and rhodopsin was mislocalized, suggesting KIF3A has a role in rhodopsin trafficking. Both rod and cone photoreceptors degenerated rapidly between 4 and 9 days post fertilization, and electroretinography response was not detected in 7 days post fertilization mutant larvae. Loss of KIF3A in zebrafish also resulted in an intracellular transport defect affecting anterograde but not retrograde transport of organelles. Our results indicate KIF3A plays a conserved role in photoreceptor outer segment formation and intracellular transport.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mullin, Mrs Margaret
Authors: Raghupathy, R. K., Zhang, X., Alhasani, R. H., Zhou, X., Mullin, M., Reilly, J., Li, W., Liu, M., and Shu, X.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
Journal Name:Cell Biochemistry and Function
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0263-6484
ISSN (Online):1099-0844
Published Online:29 July 2016

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