Retinal degenerations are accompanied by retinal remodeling events. These events alter the structure and function of the retina and involve to a large extent, Müller cells which seem to serve as pathways for neuronal migration. This paper by Karin Roesch, Michael B. Stadler and Constance L. Cepko looks at gene expression changes in the Müller cells, one of the glial cells of the retina as the rd1 mouse retina degenerates.
While the paper is not terribly conclusive in its definition of genes or pathways involved, (partially I suspect because of the limited time points examined and the late point in the examinations), this paper does however point in a direction that is useful to the retinal degeneration community. Specifically, Müller cells are fundamentally involved in the remodeling process. Intervening there is an opportunity to arrest or slow down the retinal remodeling process to allow for interventions and understanding which genes are involved is a good first step.