Calcium dynamics in retinal ganglion cells

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Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are neurons in the retina responsible for processing and integrating visual information prior to transmitting signals from the eye to the brain. Much of this processing is responsible for fine vision and ability to perceive contrast which results from a net increase, decrease or no change in the activity of individual RGCs. It has been established that there are many subtypes of RGCs with varied functional properties; however, in vivo functional analysis of these RGC subtypes is lacking. In vivo ophthalmic imaging techniques permit visualization and tracking of individual RGCs in living animals, which will allow us to study their functional and structural properties. Thus, the objective of this proposal is to measure light-evoked responses of RGCs to improve our understanding of different RGC subtypes and their functions.*** Our research will examine functional responses and structural features of RGCs in a genetically engineered or transgenic mouse whose RGCs express a special fluorescent protein, GCaMP3. When the retina is stimulated with light, GCaMP3 fluorescence can be imaged in vivo and non-invasively. Measuring the onset and degree of changes in GCaMP3 fluorescence will allow us to characterize different subtypes of RGCs and relate their structures and functions. Results of these studies will vastly improve our understanding of visual responses impact different types of RGCs and their functions.