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A transgenic approach to investigating the function of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mammals

ReferenceS18912
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Robert Lucas
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution The University of Manchester
DepartmentLife Sciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 182,248
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/11/2003
End date 31/03/2007
Duration41 months

Abstract

In addition to the classical rod and cones that subserve image forming vision recent evidence suggests that a small proportion of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can act as photoreceptors in mammals. These RGCs project to retinorecipient areas of the brain that are responsible for driving non-image forming light responses such as circadian entrainment and the pupillary light reflex. We propose examining the role of these RGC photoreceptors in several non-image forming light responses by assessing the effects of a transgenic lesion of these cells. Among the questions this animal will address are i) what proportion of the light information reaching the SCN/OPN/IGL is provided by these RGC photoreceptors ii) what quality of light information do they provide iii) whether they are the only inner retinal photoreceptors in mammals.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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