Lhx2 is required for maintaining RPE fate in mice.

Lhx2loxP/loxP control (A, C, E, G, I, K) and Lhx2loxP/loxP;Dct-Cre conditional mutation in RPE (B, D, F, H, J, L) analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) at P0 (A, B) and at E12.5 by antibody labeling for detection of (C, D) Cdh3 (green) and Lhx2 (red); (E, F) Mitf (green), Pax6 (red); (G, H) Cdh1 (green), Otx2 (red), and at E16.5 by antibody labeling for detection of (I, J) Cdh1 (green), Otx2 (red); (K, L) Sox9 (green), Lhx2 (red). Counterstaining with DAPI (blue). The insets below are higher magnifications of the RPE presenting the merged and separate channels. Scale bar in A, B is 100 μm insets are 10 μm. Scale bar C–L is 50 μm, lower insets are 10 μm. CB, ciliary body; HE, hematoxylin and eosin; L, lens; NR, neuroretina; RPE, retinal pigmented epithelium; V, vitreous.