Changes in Expression of Nestin, CD44, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Glutamine Synthetase by Mature Müller Cells After Dedifferentiation.

Purpose: Müller cells are dedifferentiated after retinal injuries and are transformed into nestin-positive progenitor cells that play crucial roles in remodeling. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the expression of nestin, CD44 (a receptor of hyaluronan), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and glutamine sythetase in cultured Müller cells after dedifferentiation by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin.

Methods: Cells from a rat retinal Müller cell line (TR-MUL5) and from primary rat retinal Müller cells were grown in culture.