RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Retinal Ganglion Cells with Distinct Directional Preferences Differ in Molecular Identity, Structure, and Central Projections
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 7753
OP 7762
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0907-11.2011
VO 31
IS 21
A1 Jeremy N. Kay
A1 Irina De la Huerta
A1 In-Jung Kim
A1 Yifeng Zhang
A1 Masahito Yamagata
A1 Monica W. Chu
A1 Markus Meister
A1 Joshua R. Sanes
YR 2011
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/21/7753.abstract
AB The retina contains ganglion cells (RGCs) that respond selectively to objects moving in particular directions. Individual members of a group of ON-OFF direction-selective RGCs (ooDSGCs) detect stimuli moving in one of four directions: ventral, dorsal, nasal, or temporal. Despite this physiological diversity, little is known about subtype-specific differences in structure, molecular identity, and projections. To seek such differences, we characterized mouse transgenic lines that selectively mark ooDSGCs preferring ventral or nasal motion as well as a line that marks both ventral- and dorsal-preferring subsets. We then used the lines to identify cell surface molecules, including Cadherin 6, CollagenXXVα1, and Matrix metalloprotease 17, that are selectively expressed by distinct subsets of ooDSGCs. We also identify a neuropeptide, CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript), that distinguishes all ooDSGCs from other RGCs. Together, this panel of endogenous and transgenic markers distinguishes the four ooDSGC subsets. Patterns of molecular diversification occur before eye opening and are therefore experience independent. They may help to explain how the four subsets obtain distinct inputs. We also demonstrate differences among subsets in their dendritic patterns within the retina and their axonal projections to the brain. Differences in projections indicate that information about motion in different directions is sent to different destinations.