All-trans-retinol generated by rhodopsin photobleaching induces rapid recruitment of TIP47 to lipid droplets in the retinal pigment epithelium.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of light stimulation on lipid droplets (LDs) and LD proteins in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Methods: Dark-adapted mouse eyes were exposed to intense flashes of light, and ARPE-19 cells were treated with all-trans-retinol. The two specimens were labeled with BODIPY493/503 for LDs and with antibodies for three LD proteins: adipocyte differentiation-related protein (ADRP), TIP47, and Rab18.