Photo by V. Miller
May 24, 2006
Eye Cells
The Effect of Müller Cells on the Survival of Photoreceptor Cells in vitro
Sheel Tyle, 14, Pittsford, N.Y.
Discovery Kids "TV Star" Award, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2005
Project background: While learning about eye disease, Sheel heard about Müller cells, which are found only in the eye. He became intrigued by the role that these cells play in keeping photoreceptor cells alive, by providing growth factors and recycling glutamate, the main neurotransmitter in the eyes. Sheel hypothesized that Müller cells help prolong the survival of photoreceptor cells.
Tactics and results: Sheel cultured photoreceptor cells under three conditions: alone; with young Müller cells; and with old, "used" Müller cells.
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| Photo by V. Miller |
Sheel supported his hypothesis. On day 6 of his experiment, 40 percent of the solo photoreceptors were alive, compared with 46 percent of the photoreceptors cultured with old Müller cells and 54 percent of the photoreceptors cultured with young Müller cells.
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