Precise connectivity between diverse neuronal subtypes is required for nervous system function. In the retina, progress has been made understanding how individual subtypes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form lamina-restricted circuits with specific functions, like detection of object movement (termed direction selectivity [DS]). Less is known about the way closely related neuronal sets (families) are organized and connected to process related visual information. Recently, I discovered multiple members of a new RGC family, including two previously undescribed RGC subtypes. These cells show striking morphological and molecular similarity to a known DS cell called J-RGCs, but differ in their respective dendritic field areas. I call these new cells the J-family. Because dendritic field ara correlates strongly with sensory acuity, the J-family may process object motion over a range of spatial resolutions. Here I propose a series of experiments to better understand this novel cell type family, including their relative organization, receptive field properties, and development. I will also test the role of candidate molecules in J-cell circuit formation and function. These studies will reveal fundamental principles in the development of a related neuronal set, and elucidate how similar aspects of sensory processing may be delegated across divergent cell type families in the CNS.
Precise connectivity between neuronal subtypes is required for nervous system function. In this proposal, I aim to reveal molecular mechanisms important for the development and circuit connectivity of a new family of related neuronal subtypes in the retina involved in motion detection.
| Rousso, David L; Qiao, Mu; Kagan, Ruth D et al. (2016) Two Pairs of ON and OFF Retinal Ganglion Cells Are Defined by Intersectional Patterns of Transcription Factor Expression. Cell Rep 15:1930-44 |
