Fig. 6

Downregulation of synapse-associated gene expression in EAE. A Transcriptomic analysis was carried out by RNAseq. Gene ontology term enrichment analysis revealed the downregulation of genes associated with the synapse (EAE mice, n = 8; CFA mice, n = 5). B On a volcano plot, up- and downregulated genes have been represented. Genes included in the synapse gene ontology term, and depending on neuronal activity, have been highlighted, such as that of Syt2 and Nefh. C Synaptotagmin 2, a synaptic protein encoded by Syt2 and abundant in the terminals of type 2 OFF cone bipolar cells, was decreased in the OFF sublamina 1 (S1). The staining of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in starburst amacrine cell dendrites allowed to localize ON and OFF synaptic layers. Dapi nuclear staining was used to observe the outer nuclear layer (ONL), the inner nuclear layer (INL) and the ganglion cell layer (GCL). D By immunofluorescence, the signal of Neurofilament H (NF-H), whose level depends on Nefh expression, appeared weaker in RGC dendrites (close-up), in the nerve fiber layer (NFL) and in the horizontal cells of the outer plexiform layer (OPL). Melanopsin labeling allowed to visualize the border between the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL). Scale bars: C = 50 µm; D = 100 µm. ONH optic nerve head