Molecular Pathway to Protection From Age-Dependent Photoreceptor Degeneration in Mef2 Deficiency

PURPOSE: Photoreceptor degeneration in the retina is a major cause of blindness in humans. Elucidating mechanisms of degenerative and neuroprotective pathways in photoreceptors should afford identification and development of therapeutic strategies. METHODS: We used mouse genetic models and improved methods for retinal explant cultures. Retinas were enucleated from Mef2d(+/+) and Mef2d(−)(/)(−) mice, stained for MEF2 proteins and outer nuclear layer thickness, and assayed for apoptotic cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed MEF2 binding, and RT-qPCR showed levels of transcription factors. We used AAV2 and electroporation to express genes in retinal explants and electroretinograms to assess photoreceptor functionality. RESULTS: We identify a prosurvival MEF2D-PGC1α pathway that plays a neuroprotective role in photoreceptors. We demonstrate that Mef2d(−)(/)(−) mouse retinas manifest decreased expression of PGC1α and increased photoreceptor cell loss, resulting in the absence of light responses. Molecular repletion of PGC1α protects Mef2d(−)(/)(−) photoreceptors and preserves light responsivity. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the MEF2-PGC1α cascade may represent a new therapeutic target for drugs designed to protect photoreceptors from developmental- and age-dependent loss.