Progressive Cone-Rod Dystrophy and RPE Dysfunction in Mitf(mi/+) Mice

Mutations in the mouse microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) gene affect retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) differentiation and development and can lead to hypopigmentation, microphthalmia, deafness, and blindness. For instance, an association has been established between loss-of-function mutations in the mouse Mitf gene and a variety of human retinal diseases, including Waardenburg type 2 and Tietz syndromes. Although there is evidence showing that mice with the homozygous Mitf(mi) mutation manifest microphthalmia and osteopetrosis, there are limited or no data on the effects of the heterozygous condition in the eye. Mitf mice can therefore be regarded as an important model system for the study of human disease. Thus, we characterized Mitf(mi/+) mice at 1, 3, 12, and 18 months old in comparison with age-matched wild-type mice. The light- and dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) recordings showed progressive cone-rod dystrophy in Mitf(mi/+) mice. The RPE response was reduced in the mutant in all age groups studied. Progressive loss of pigmentation was found in Mitf(mi/+) mice. Histological retinal sections revealed evidence of retinal degeneration in Mitf(mi/+) mice at older ages. For the first time, we report a mouse model of progressive cone-rod dystrophy and RPE dysfunction with a mutation in the Mitf gene.