Melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion-cell photoreceptors: Cellular diversity and role in pattern vision

Jennifer L. Ecker, Olivia N. Dumitrescu, Kwoon Y. Wong, Nazia M. Alam, Shih Kuo Chen, Tara LeGates, Jordan M. Renna, Glen T. Prusky, David M. Berson, Samer Hattar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

407 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using the photopigment melanopsin, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) respond directly to light to drive circadian clock resetting and pupillary constriction. We now report that ipRGCs are more abundant and diverse than previously appreciated, project more widely within the brain, and can support spatial visual perception. A Cre-based melanopsin reporter mouse line revealed at least five subtypes of ipRGCs with distinct morphological and physiological characteristics. Collectively, these cells project beyond the known brain targets of ipRGCs to heavily innervate the superior colliculus and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, retinotopically organized nuclei mediating object localization and discrimination. Mice lacking classical rod-cone photoreception, and thus entirely dependent on melanopsin for light detection, were able to discriminate grating stimuli from equiluminant gray and had measurable visual acuity. Thus, nonclassical retinal photoreception occurs within diverse cell types and influences circuits and functions encompassing luminance as well as spatial information.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)49-60
Number of pages12
JournalNeuron
Volume67
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Devbio
  • Molneuro
  • Sysneuro

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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