Characterization of a Synaptic Protein in the Photoreceptor Terminal

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This research project will study the function of the vertebrate eye. Certain proteins in the retina of the eye undergo changes in concentration or conformation when subjected to different environmental conditions. One group of proteins found in the outer segment of the photoreceptor cell are chemically altered after exposure to light. Much less is known about the proteins contained in the terminal end of the photoreceptor cell. This structure is important because the terminal makes contact with the nerve cells which connect to higher brain centers. Within these terminal regions are "ribbon-like" structures containing a unique protein (88kD), which may be necessary for photoreceptor cells to communicate with nerve cells. Immunological and ultrastructural techniques such as monoclonal antibodies and electron microscopy will be used to study the 88kD protein in the photoreceptor terminal. Once localized, the 88kD protein will be purified and isolated. The gene for this protein will be cloned and the 88kD protein sequence will be compared to other similar proteins in national databases. These studies will provide insight into the mechanisms of cellular communication between the eye and the brain. It may also lead to advances in the study of retinal diseases.