Using siRNA to define functional interactions between melanopsin and multiple G Protein partners

• DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1664-6
• Publication Date: 2014-06-23T00:49:49Z
• Authors: Steven Hughes; Aarti Jagannath; Doron Hickey; Silvia Gatti; Matthew Wood; Stuart N. Peirson; Russell G. Foster; Mark W. Hankins
• Keywords: Melanopsin; GNAQ; Visual phototransduction

Melanopsin expressing photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (pRGCs) represent a third class of ocular photoreceptors and mediate range non-image forming responses to light. is G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) existing data suggest that it employs membrane bound signalling cascade involving Gnaq/11 type proteins. However, date the precise identity Gα subunits involved in melanopsin phototransduction remains poorly defined. Here we show Gnaq, Gna11 Gna14 are highly co-expressed pRGCs mouse retina. Furthermore, using RNAi based gene silencing can signal via or vitro, demonstrate multiple members subfamily, including at least Gnaq Gna11, participate vivo contribute pupillary light mice lacking rod cone photoreceptors. This diversity interactions suggests additional complexity may provide basis for generating observed from pRGC subtypes.