Impaired cone function and cone degeneration resulting from CNGB3 deficiency: Down-regulation of CNGA3 biosynthesis as a potential mechanism

The cone cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel is essential for central and color vision and visual acuity. This channel is composed of two structurally related subunits, CNGA3 and CNGB3; CNGA3 is the ion-conducting subunit, whereas CNGB3 is a modulatory subunit. Mutations in both subunits are associated with achromatopsia and progressive cone dystrophy, with mutations in CNGB3 alone accounting for 50% of all known cases of achromatopsia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cone diseases that result from CNGB3 deficiency are unknown. This study investigated the role of CNGB3 in cones, using CNGB3^-/- mice. Cone dysfunction was apparent at the earliest time point examined (post-natal day 30) in CNGB3^-/- mice. When compared with wild-type (WT) controls: photopic electroretingraphic (ERG) responses were decreased by ∼75%, whereas scotopic ERG responses were unchanged; visual acuity was decreased by ∼20%, whereas contrast sensitivity was unchanged; cone density was reduced by ∼40%; photoreceptor apoptosis was detected; and outer segment disorganization was observed in some cones. Notably, CNGA3 protein and mRNA levels were significantly decreased in CNGB3^-/- mice; in contrast, mRNA levels of S-opsin, Gnat2 and Pde6c were unchanged, relative to WT mice. Hence, we show that loss of CNGB3 reduces biosynthesis of CNGA3 and impairs cone CNG channel function. We suggest that down-regulation of CNGA3 contributes to the pathogenic mechanism by which CNGB3 mutations lead to human cone disease.