Editor's Summary

27 March 2008

Specialization in the retina

The function of any neural circuit, such as the retina in the eye, is directly related to its connectivity, as determined by the functions of different classes of neuron and their choice of partners. Those attributes are governed by the genetic make up and molecular interactions of each neuron, but it has been difficult to demonstrate a continuous link from the genetic level to that of cellular structure and circuit function. In-Jung Kim et al. have developed a novel multidiscliplinary approach to the problem and apply it to retinal ganglion cells. They have discovered a new type of retinal neuron, identified by a genetic marker, with a unique cell shape, and a unique function. All cells of this type 'point' in a single direction. Remarkably, these cells respond best to objects moving in the direction predicted biophysically by their structure: upwards. The finding raises an intriguing question: why has the mouse invested so heavily in sensitivity to upward motion?

Letter: Molecular identification of a retinal cell type that responds to upward motion

In-Jung Kim, Yifeng Zhang, Masahito Yamagata, Markus Meister & Joshua R. Sanes

doi:10.1038/nature06739

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