Optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Targeting to Investigate Cone Photoreceptor Development in the Chick Retina

Author

Diana Y. Kim, CUNY City CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Mark Emerson

Abstract

Many human eye conditions result in the loss of vision, due to the degeneration of cone photoreceptors in the retina. Thus, the development of methods to regenerate these cone photoreceptors is an active area of study. In order to find ways to regenerate cones, the molecular pathways and gene regulatory networks that a retinal progenitor cell takes to develop into a postmitotic cone photoreceptor needs to be well understood. In an attempt to answer this question, this paper studies the effect of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of two key transcription factors, Otx2 and Nr2e3, on retinal progenitor cells and cone photoreceptors throughout the development of the retina. This study also explores optimization of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to target specific cell populations.

Recommended Citation

Kim, Diana Y., "Optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Targeting to Investigate Cone Photoreceptor Development in the Chick Retina" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/765