Myelin regulatory factor (Myrf) is a critical early regulator of retinal pigment epithelial development.

Abstract

Myelin regulatory factor (Myrf) is a critical transcription factor in early retinal and retinal pigment epithelial development, and human variants in MYRF are a cause for nanophthalmos. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) was performed on Myrf conditional knockout mice (Rx>Cre Myrffl/fl) at 3 developmental timepoints. Myrf was expressed specifically in the RPE, and expression was abrogated in Rx>Cre Myrffl/fl eyes. scRNAseq analysis revealed a loss of RPE cells at all timepoints resulting from cell death. GO-term analysis in the RPE revealed downregulation of melanogenesis and anatomic structure morphogenesis pathways, which were supported by electron microscopy and histologic analysis. Novel structural target genes including Ermn and Upk3b, along with macular degeneration and inherited retinal disease genes were identified as downregulated, and a strong upregulation of TGF{beta}/BMP signaling and effectors was observed. Regulon analysis placed Myrf downstream of Pax6 and Mitf and upstream of Sox10 in RPE differentiation. Together, these results suggest a strong role for Myrf in the RPE maturation by regulating melanogenesis, cell survival, and cell structure, in part acting through suppression of TGF{beta} signaling and activation of Sox10. SUMMARY STATEMENTMyrf regulates RPE development, melanogenesis, and is important for cell structure and survival, in part through regulation of Ermn, Upk3b and Sox10, and BMP/TGFb signaling.