Modulation of the PTEN/mTOR pathway to enhance survival of cone photoreceptors in retinal degeneration disorders
B Lin
School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
 
 
1. Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) overexpression down-regulated mTOR and S6K1 activity and induced 661W cone cell apoptosis.
2. S6K1 knockdown prevented 661W cone cell survival to a similar degree as PTEN.
3. S6K1 expression improved 661W cone survival in the presence of PTEN.
4. PTEN deletion activated S6K1 and improved the survival and function of cones and visual performance in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa.
5. S6K1 treatment rescued cones from degeneration in the rd10 retina.