Foveal Retinal Ganglion Cells Develop Altered Calcium Dynamics Weeks After Photoreceptor Ablation.

Purpose: Physiological changes in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have been reported in rodent models of photoreceptor (PR) loss, but this has not been investigated in primates. By expressing both a calcium indicator (GCaMP6s) and an optogenetic actuator (ChrimsonR) in foveal RGCs of the macaque, we reactivated RGCs and assessed their response in the weeks and years after PR loss.

Design: We used an calcium imaging approach to record optogenetically evoked activity in deafferented RGCs in primate fovea.

Foveal RGCs develop altered calcium dynamics weeks after photoreceptor ablation.

Objective Or Purpose: Physiological changes in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have been reported in rodent models of photoreceptor (PR) loss but this has not been investigated in primates. By expressing both a calcium indicator (GCaMP6s) and an optogenetic actuator (ChrimsonR) in foveal RGCs of the macaque, we reactivated RGCs and assessed their response in the weeks and years following PR loss.

Design: We used an calcium imaging approach to record optogenetically evoked activity in deafferented RGCs in primate fovea.

Transcription factors underlying photoreceptor diversity.

During development, retinal progenitors navigate a complex landscape of fate decisions to generate the major cell classes necessary for proper vision. Transcriptional regulation is critical to generate diversity within these major cell classes. Here, we aim to provide the resources and techniques required to identify transcription factors necessary to generate and maintain diversity in photoreceptor subtypes, which are critical for vision.