In vitro culture systems have been developed that allow study of the mitotic cycle, which is most likely intimately involved with cell fate decisions, as well as commitment and differentiation of retinal cells. These culture systems are being used to identify the relevant molecules through protein purification and expression cloning approaches. As a parallel approach, candidate genes that may be important in these processes have been isolated using PCR and homology based upon sequences of relevant genes from other systems. These genes are being tested for developmental effects by reintroduction in vivo or in vitro using retrovirus vectors, or by reducing their function through antisense approaches. Altshuler, D., Lo Turco, J., Rush, J. and Cepko, C. L. 1993.
Taurine promotes the differentiation of a vertebrate retinal cell type in vivo.
Walsh, C. and C.L. Cepko. Cell lineage defined by a retroviral library method does not specify functional neocortical areas. Austin, C. A., Feldman, D., Ida, J., and Cepko, C.L. 1995. Vertebrate retinal ganglion cells are selected from competent progenitors through the action of Notch.