retina development in camera-type eye

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the retina over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The retina is the innermost layer or coating at the back of the eyeball, which is sensitive to light and in which the optic nerve terminates. [GOC:bf, GOC:dph, ISBN:0815340729]

Retina development in camera-type eyes is a complex and highly regulated process that involves the coordinated action of multiple signaling pathways, transcription factors, and cell-cell interactions. It begins with the formation of the optic vesicle, an evagination from the diencephalon of the developing brain. The optic vesicle then invaginates to form the optic cup, which is composed of two layers: the outer retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and the inner neural retina. The neural retina will give rise to the photoreceptor cells, which detect light, as well as other cell types, including bipolar cells, ganglion cells, and amacrine cells.

Retina development is characterized by a series of tightly regulated cell fate decisions, including the specification of photoreceptor cell types, the formation of synapses between retinal neurons, and the establishment of the correct retinal circuitry. These decisions are driven by a complex interplay of signaling molecules, transcription factors, and cell-cell interactions.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:

**1. Optic Vesicle Formation:**
- The optic vesicle forms from the diencephalon of the developing brain.
- This evagination is driven by signals from the overlying ectoderm, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and Wnt proteins.

**2. Optic Cup Formation:**
- The optic vesicle invaginates to form the optic cup, which consists of two layers: the outer RPE and the inner neural retina.
- This invagination is driven by signals from the underlying mesenchyme, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).
- The RPE cells are specified by BMP signaling, while the neural retinal cells are specified by Wnt signaling.

**3. Neural Retina Development:**
- The neural retina is initially a single layer of undifferentiated cells.
- These cells undergo a series of cell fate decisions to become the various cell types of the mature retina.
- The first step in this process is the specification of the retinal progenitor cells.
- These progenitor cells are then subdivided into distinct lineages, giving rise to photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, ganglion cells, amacrine cells, and Müller glia.
- This lineage specification is regulated by a complex interplay of transcription factors, signaling molecules, and cell-cell interactions.

**4. Photoreceptor Development:**
- Photoreceptor cells are specialized neurons that detect light.
- There are two main types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones.
- Rods are responsible for vision in dim light, while cones are responsible for color vision.
- Photoreceptor development is regulated by a number of factors, including retinaldehyde, a molecule that is essential for the function of photoreceptor cells, and transcription factors, including Pax6 and Otx2.

**5. Retinal Circuitry Formation:**
- Once the various cell types of the retina have been specified, they begin to form synapses with each other.
- This process is guided by a variety of cues, including cell-cell interactions and guidance molecules.
- The correct formation of retinal circuitry is essential for the proper function of the eye.

**6. Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (RPE) Development:**
- The RPE is a single layer of cells that lies between the neural retina and the choroid.
- The RPE is essential for the function of the photoreceptor cells.
- The RPE cells are specified by BMP signaling and are responsible for absorbing light, providing nutrients to the photoreceptor cells, and phagocytosing shed outer segments of photoreceptor cells.

**7. Retinal Vascularization:**
- The retina is highly vascularized, meaning that it has a rich blood supply.
- The retinal vasculature develops from the hyaloid vessels, which are present in the vitreous humor of the eye during development.
- The hyaloid vessels regress as the retina matures, leaving behind a network of retinal vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the retina.

Retina development is a fascinating and complex process that is essential for vision. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this process is crucial for developing new therapies for retinal diseases.'
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Compounds (649)