MOLECULAR REGULATORS INVOLVED IN VERTEBRATE EYE DEVELOPMENT

Development of the eye can be subdivided into three phases. The first phase is the formation of the major structures of the eye by the proce sses of induction and regional specification. The second is the matura tion of these structures to form the functional eye, and the third pha se is the formation of neuronal connections between retina and the opt ic tectum. These processes are tightly regulated by signalling cascade s that direct axonal outgrowth, cellular proliferation and differentia tion. Some members of these signalling cascades have been identified i n recent studies. These include secreted factors which transmit signal s extracellularly, and receptors and transcription factors which are m embers of intracellular signalling pathways that respond to extracellu lar signals. This review summarizes the recent research that has impli cated these factors in playing a role in eye development on the basis of functional or expression criteria. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Irelan d Ltd. All rights reserved.