Light response properties and synaptic circuitry of broad thorny ganglion cells in the primate retina

• Applicant: Dr. Christian Puller
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: Funded in 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 250537862

Light signals in the mammalian retina are generated by photoreceptors, processed and conveyed by various types of interneurons within the retina, before ganglion cells collect and integrate the light response. These signals are then sent in the form of action potentials via the ganglion cells' axons along the optic nerve to the higher visual centers of the brain. More than ten different morphological types of ganglion cells have been described in each mammalian species investigated so far. However, only scarce knowledge of the distinct physiological response properties of ganglion cells exists for human and non-human primates. The so-called broad thorny ganglion cell has been morphologically analyzed in retinas of human and other primate species. It is often compared to the well-investigated local edge detector ganglion cell of rabbit retina based on similar anatomical features. To date, nothing is known about the light response properties of broad thorny ganglion cells and their functional role in human vision remains elusive. Here, the light responses of primate broad thorny ganglion cells will be investigated for the first time. Electrophysiological recordings from these cells will be performed in an in vitro preparation of macaque monkey retina while various light stimuli are projected onto the photoreceptors. The major goal of this study is to provide a detailed description of the response properties and the analysis of synaptic mechanisms underlying the response properties of this cell type. In addition, the synaptic circuitry of broad thorny ganglion cells will be further investigated by immunohistochemical techniques.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Hosts: Professor Jay Neitz, Ph.D.; Professorin Maureen Neitz, Ph.D.