Animal Models in Eye Research

An introductory short chapter on the different types of eyes, stressing possible common molecular machinery (mono vs polyphyletic).Eye diversity in the animal KingdomPhotosensitivity: Melanopsin, opsinsCyanobacteria, protozoa: photoreception, rhodopsinPlatynereis: as a model for lochotrophozoa Drosophila: Superb system for genetics, genetic manipulation.Planaria: As a model for invertebrate eye regeneration with emphasis on stem cells.Fish/cavefish: As a model for retina regeneration and lens development. Zebrafish is accessible for genetic manipulation by morpholinos, medaka accessible for genetic studies.Xenopus: As a model for retina (via progenitor cells) and lens regeneration (by transdifferentiation from the cornea). Also an important model for transgenic studies in amphibia.Newt: As a model for retina and lens regeneration in adult vertebrates by transdifferentiation. Xenopus and Newt could be combined as a chapter on amphibia.Chick: Excellent system for retina regeneration (both transdifferentiation and stem cells) as well for lens and retina development. RCAS transgenesis is an important asset of this system.Mouse: Knock-out and transgenesis technologies make this animal the best mammal to study eye development.Rabbit: Model for cataract surgery.A chapter could be devoted to animals where we see recruitment of crystallins to perform other roles Animal models for physiology of the eye