Figure 3.

DNA methylation colocalizes with cell death in four different RP animal models. An immunostaining for 5mC was performed together with the TUNEL assay for dying cells in four animal models for RP. In these models, co-staining was performed at time points corresponding to the onset or peak of retinal degeneration. In (a) PN11 rd1 and (b) PN19 rd2 mouse retina, as well as in (c) PN12 S334ter and (d) PN19 P23H rat retina, the numbers of 5mC immunodecorated photoreceptors was increased when compared with wt controls and most of the 5mC-positive cells were co-labeled with the TUNEL assay. GCL=ganglion cell layer; INL=inner nuclear layer. Scale bar=20 μm. The results are representative for observations made in at least three different individuals of each genotype