Growth factors and the morphological differentiation of primate cone photoreceptors. Primates have very good visual acuity because cone photoreceptors are packed at high density into a small region of the retina – the fovea.  High packing is achieved because foveal cones are much longer and thinner than cones in other parts of the retina, but how these cones become so specialized is not understood. Using a molecular approach and organ culture, this project investigates the role of FGFs in the morphological differentiation of cones, and in their maintenance throughout life, including the aged human retina.
Jan Provis

Growth factor expression in the normal and stressed retina. Growth factors regulate development, differentiation and maintenance in the normal retina, and expression of a variety of factors help to protect neurons from degeneration under conditions of physiological stress. Members of the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family, particularly FGF2 have an important neuro-protective role, along with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF). Members of the group are investigating expression of these factors in normal human and murine retina, and in a variety of retinal disorders, including models of retinitis pigmentosa and AMD.
Jan Provis