Connexin Expression Is Altered in the Eye Development of Yotari Mice: A Preliminary Study

This study aimed to explore how <i>Dab1</i> functional silencing influences the expression patterns of different connexins in the developing <i>yotari</i> (<i>yot</i>) mice eyes as potential determinants of retinogenesis. Using immunofluorescence staining, the protein expression of Dab1, Reelin, and connexin 37, 40, 43, and 45 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) in the wild-type (wt) and <i>yot</i> eyes at embryonic days 13.5 and 15.5 (E13.5 and E15.5) were analyzed. Different expression patterns of Cx37 were seen between the wt and <i>yot</i> groups. The highest fluorescence intensity of Cx37 was observed in the <i>yot</i> animals at E15.5. Cx40 had higher expression at the E13.5 when differentiation of retinal layers was still beginning, whereas it decreased at the E15.5 when differentiation was at the advanced stage. Higher expression of Cx43 was found in the <i>yot</i> group at both time points. Cx45 was predominantly expressed at E13.5 in both groups. Our results reveal the altered expression of connexins during retinogenesis in <i>yot</i> mice and their potential involvement in retinal pathology, where they might serve as prospective therapeutic targets.