Melanopsin mediates retrograde visual signaling in the retina

Dao Qi Zhang, Michael A. Belenky, Patricia J. Sollars, Gary E. Pickard, Douglas G. McMahon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

The canonical flow of visual signals proceeds from outer to inner retina (photoreceptors→bipolar cells→ganglion cells). However, melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells are photosensitive and functional sustained light signaling to retinal dopaminergic interneurons persists in the absence of rods and cones. Here we show that the sustained-type light response of retinal dopamine neurons requires melanopsin and that the response is mediated by AMPA-type glutamate receptors, defining a retrograde retinal visual signaling pathway that fully reverses the usual flow of light signals in retinal circuits.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere42647
JournalPloS one
Volume7
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 3 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
  • General

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