Summary
This thesis systematically classifies up to 8 functional types of retinal ganglion cells in mouse retina using multielectrode array recordings, linking dendritic morphology to functional properties such as receptive field tiling and direction selectivity. While primarily foundational neuroscience, understanding RGC diversity — including intrinsically photosensitive RGCs — underpins how lighting designers and researchers can model non-visual light responses relevant to circadian entrainment.
Key Findings
- Up to 8 distinct types of RGCs were classified in the wild-type mouse retina using large-scale multielectrode array recordings.
- Dendritic structure was shown to be critical for receptive field tiling and direction-selective responses, demonstrated via mutant mice with defects in dendritic and cell body spacing.
- Ablation of RGCs expressing a specific gene revealed a functionally distinct subset responding to light offset (OFF responses), linking genetic programs to functional RGC identity.
Categories
The Science of Light: This thesis characterizes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types and their functional properties, directly relevant to understanding how the retina processes and transmits light signals to the brain, including pathways relevant to circadian photoentrainment.
Eye Health & Vision: The study examines how RGC morphology and dendritic structure affect visual processing functions such as receptive field tiling and direction selectivity, with implications for understanding retinal dysfunction and vision health.
Author(s)
A Ng
Publication Year
2014
Related Publications
The Science of Light
- Phototransduction by retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian clock
- 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
Eye Health & Vision
- Diminished pupillary light reflex at high irradiances in melanopsin-knockout mice
- Genetic reactivation of cone photoreceptors restores visual responses in retinitis pigmentosa
- Melanopsin and rod–cone photoreceptors play different roles in mediating pupillary light responses during exposure to continuous light in humans
- Characteristic patterns of dendritic remodeling in early-stage glaucoma: evidence from genetically identified retinal ganglion cell types
- Intrinsically photosensitive melanopsin retinal ganglion cell contributions to the pupillary light reflex and circadian rhythm