Retinal gene expression shows compartment specific differences in health and disease

In most degenerative eye diseases changes in the expression of specific genes are main contributors to their pathogenesis and progression. The retinal structure containing different compartments prompts the question whether compartment specific genes are involved in vasoregression. We performed a transcriptional profiling of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD2) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using Affymetrix GeneChips. Isolated retinas were divided into an inner part, containing the GCL, IPL and INL, and an outer part, containing the ONL, rods and cones. The compartments were separated by Laser Dissection Microscopy.…