Department or Program
Neuroscience
Abstract
The irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a major cause of vision impairment due in part to the limited regenerative capacity of the mammalian central nervous system. Recent advances in transcription factor–mediated reprogramming have enabled the generation of induced retinal ganglion cells (iRGCs) from retinal progenitor cells. However, these newly generated neurons often fail to migrate to the correct retinal layer and integrate into existing circuits. During normal retinal development, the extracellular matrix protein Reelin plays a key role in neuronal migration and laminar organization, making it a potential candidate for improving the structural integration of iRGCs. This study investigated whether Reelin overexpression could improve the migration and laminar positioning of iRGCs generated through postnatal subretinal electroporation in mice. Retinas were analyzed at multiple postnatal time points, and the distribution of labeled cells across retinal layers was quantified. Reelin overexpression increased early migration of iRGCs but did not improve final laminar positioning, as cells remained preferentially localized in the inner nuclear layer rather than the ganglion cell layer at later stages. These findings suggest that Reelin promotes early migratory behavior but is not sufficient to ensure correct final laminar integration, highlighting the importance of temporal regulation of developmental signaling in neuronal regeneration.
Level of Access
Restricted: Embargoed [Open Access After Expiration]
First Advisor
Woodworth, Mollie
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Rentzepis, Katherine, "Neuronal Regeneration Through Postnatal Subretinal Injection of Reelin in Mice" (2026). Honors Theses. 515.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/515
Number of Pages
55
Components of Thesis
1 pdf