Loss of XBP1 accelerates age-related decline in retinal function and neurodegeneration

Abstract

XBP1 cKO mice at 12-14 months of age show significant structural, functional, and metabolic deficits that closely resemble WT mice twice that age. Our findings suggest that the absence of XBP1, a critical component of the UPR, accelerates age-related retinal neurodegeneration.