Math5 promotes retinal ganglion cell expression patterns in retinal progenitor cells

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of over-expression of Math5 on the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) expression patterns in retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). METHODS: RPCs were cultured and then transfected by recombinant Math5 plasmid with internal ribosome entry site and enhanced green fluorescent protein (pIRES2-EGFP-Math5; group A), with pIRES2-EGFP transfected (group B) and no plasmid transfected (group C) as control. RGCs were identified by Thy1.1 immunocytochemistry methods and analyzed by Leica Qwin V3.1 system. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of Math5-associated genes at different time points during the differentiation of RPCs. RESULTS: It was determined that pIRES2-EGFP-Math5 could transfect RPCs, and the transfection rate was 24.68%. After plating, it was found that three different groups of RPCs could differentiate and express retina-specific markers, including RGC marker Thy1.1. The percentage breakdown of Thy1.1-positive cells was 30.85±6.28% in group A, 15.84±3.55% in group B, and 16.22±3.60% in group C. The differences between the three groups were statistically significant (p<0.001). Transfection by pIRES2-EGFP-Math5 could change the expression of Delta-1, Hes1, and Brn-3b. CONCLUSIONS: Math5 may up-regulate RGC expression patterns in RPCs and change the expression of Math5-associated genes.