Vsx1Regulates Terminal Differentiation of Type 7 ON Bipolar Cells

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2331-11.2011
• Publication Date: 2011-09-15T03:39:41Z
• Authors: Zhiwei Shi; Stuart Trenholm; Minyan Zhu; Sarah Buddingh; Erin N. Star; Gautam B. Awatramani; Robert L. Chow
• Keywords: Cell type

Although retinal bipolar cells represent a morphologically well defined population of interneurons, very little is known about the developmental mechanisms that regulate their processing. Furthermore, identity specific cell types function in distinct visual circuits remains poorly understood. Here, we show homeobox gene Vsx1 expressed Type 7 ON cells. In absence Vsx1, exhibit proper morphological specification but defects terminal expression. required for repression cell-specific markers, including Calcium-binding protein 5 and Chx10. This contrasts its genetic requirement as an activator expression OFF To assess possible signaling Vsx1-null mice, recorded specifically from ON-OFF directionally selective ganglion (DSGCs), which cofasciculate with terminals. DSGCs received more sustained excitatory synaptic input, possibly due to defects. Interestingly, circuit functional compromised. Together, these findings indicate regulates necessary within circuit.