Therefore, we propose that the cell-intrinsic defect in photoreceptor differentiation that results from Brg1 inactivation, combined with the non-cell-autonomous photoreceptor cell loss as a result of defects in retinal lamination, are the major factors that contribute to retinal degeneration in Chx10-Cre;Brg1Lox/Lox retinae. The gene discussed is SMARCA4; the disease is retinal degeneration.