The Circadian Photoreceptor - Article Example

The paper aims at investigating whether Vitamin A -based chromophore is essential in photoreception by ipRGC. In addition, the paper seeks to investigate the function of melanopsin in signaling photo-pigments. In responding to this uncertainty paper studies a knock-out mouse line that lacks RPE65 (rpe65–/–), which is a substantial protein that regenerates the 11–cis–retinal in the RPE. 

            In essence, the paper succinctly covers the topic by ascertaining that there are other photoreceptors within the mammalian retina other than the known rods and cones. The main concept behind this paper is to have a clear understanding of the diversity of the ipRGCs and their different functions in regulating behavior.

            The findings illustrate that Rpe65–/– ipRGCs were 20–40–fold and are not photosensitive whether atingle cell or behavioral (PLR) levels.  The photosensitivity detected is expressed by exogenous 9–cis–retinal, an 11–cis–retinal analog.

             In addition, there was no detection of Melanopsin in the retinal pigment epithelium or any results both in the rod and cone sensitivities. This is a factor that led to athlete etiolation melanopsin in both the ERG single-cell recordings.

It was, therefore, concluded that Vitamin A- based chromophore is required for GC photosensitive Melanopsin and it is probably the photopigment present in ipRGCs.