The Effect of Crk Adaptor Proteins on Cell Proliferation in the Developing Zebrafish Retina

The structure and function of the nervous system is dependent on highly coordinated patterns of migrating neurons. This patterning in many neuronal tissues, including the cortex and retina, results in cell lamination that is essential for proper function of the tissue. Adaptor proteins CT10 regulator of kinase (CRK) and CRK-like are known to be important for proper migration of neurons in the developing cortex through their role in the Reelin signaling pathway. We use Danio rerio, or Zebrafish, as a model organism to study the role of Crk and Crkl in the developing retina. Previous data from our lab have demonstrated that deficiency of Crk and Crkl during development negatively impacts eye size and retinal lamination in Zebrafish. To study the mechanism responsible for this phenotype, we used immunohistochemistry to label proliferating cells in the retina of Crk-deficient, Crkl-deficient, and Crk- and Crkl-deficient embryos at various developmental stages. We hypothesized that Crk- and Crkl-deficient embryos would show decreased cell proliferation in the retina, resulting in their smaller eyes. This study will provide insight into the mechanisms of Crk adaptor proteins in neuronal development