Summary
This dissertation characterizes the role of pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) and its receptor TrpM3 in modulating retinal waves during developmental critical periods, with TrpM3 expressed primarily in retinal ganglion cells and Müller glia. While not directly focused on lighting applications, findings have implications for understanding how RGC development and function—relevant to circadian photoentrainment—may be influenced by neurosteroid signaling.
Key Findings
- PregS induces a TrpM3-dependent prolonged calcium transient in retinal cells, absent in TrpM3-/- knockout animals.
- TrpM3 activation increases the correlation of cell participation in retinal waves and increases the frequency of post-synaptic currents, indicating a presynaptic mechanism upstream of retinal ganglion cells.
- TrpM3 is expressed primarily in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and Müller glia, suggesting a specific cellular locus of action during retinal development.
- PregS levels are upregulated during critical developmental periods (first year of life, adolescence, pregnancy) and decreased during aging and neurodegenerative conditions.
Categories
Eye Health & Vision: Examines the role of neurosteroid PregS and its receptor TrpM3 in retinal development, specifically modulating retinal ganglion cell activity and synaptic connectivity.
The Science of Light: Investigates TrpM3 expression in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are key photoreceptive cells involved in non-visual light signaling including circadian entrainment.
Author(s)
C Webster
Publication Year
2019
Related Publications
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The Science of Light
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- Color appearance models
- The mammalian circadian timing system: organization and coordination of central and peripheral clocks
- Diminished pupillary light reflex at high irradiances in melanopsin-knockout mice
- Melanopsin is required for non-image-forming photic responses in blind mice