# Ythdf2 Ablation Protects Aged Retina From RGC Dendrite Shrinking and Visual Decline

## TL;DR

Removing YTHDF2 in mice protects aging retinas from damage and vision loss by targeting specific genes.

## Contribution

YTHDF2 ablation is shown to protect aged retinas by targeting Hspa12a and Islr2 mRNAs.

## Key findings

- Ythdf2 ablation prevents RGC dendrite shrinking in aged mice.
- Hspa12a and Islr2 are identified as YTHDF2 target mRNAs mediating retinal protection.
- YTHDF2 regulates aging-related retinal degeneration and vision loss.

## Abstract

Aging‐related retinal degeneration and vision loss have been severely affecting the elderly worldwide. Previously, we showed that the m6A reader YTHDF2 is a negative regulator for dendrite development and protection of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in mice. Here, we further show that conditional ablation of Ythdf2 protects the retina from RGC dendrite shrinking and vision loss in aged mice. Additionally, we identify Hspa12a and Islr2 as the potential YTHDF2 target mRNAs mediating these effects. Together, our results indicate that the m6A reader YTHDF2 regulates retinal degeneration caused by aging, which might provide important therapeutic potential for developing new treatment approaches against aging‐related vision loss.

The m6A reader YTHDF2 regulates retinal degeneration caused by aging, which is mediated by its target mRNAs Hspa12a and Islr2.