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Baden T. The vertebrate retina: a window into the evolution of computation in the brain. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2024; 57:None. [PMID: 38899158 PMCID: PMC11183302 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Animal brains are probably the most complex computational machines on our planet, and like everything in biology, they are the product of evolution. Advances in developmental and palaeobiology have been expanding our general understanding of how nervous systems can change at a molecular and structural level. However, how these changes translate into altered function - that is, into 'computation' - remains comparatively sparsely explored. What, concretely, does it mean for neuronal computation when neurons change their morphology and connectivity, when new neurons appear or old ones disappear, or when transmitter systems are slowly modified over many generations? And how does evolution use these many possible knobs and dials to constantly tune computation to give rise to the amazing diversity in animal behaviours we see today? Addressing these major gaps of understanding benefits from choosing a suitable model system. Here, I present the vertebrate retina as one perhaps unusually promising candidate. The retina is ancient and displays highly conserved core organisational principles across the entire vertebrate lineage, alongside a myriad of adjustments across extant species that were shaped by the history of their visual ecology. Moreover, the computational logic of the retina is readily interrogated experimentally, and our existing understanding of retinal circuits in a handful of species can serve as an anchor when exploring the visual circuit adaptations across the entire vertebrate tree of life, from fish deep in the aphotic zone of the oceans to eagles soaring high up in the sky.
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2
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Webster CS. Psychology in the operating theatre: the importance of colour and cognition in the redesign of clinical systems for medication safety. Br J Anaesth 2024; 132:837-839. [PMID: 38418333 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Medication errors in anaesthesia remain a leading cause of patient harm. Compared with conventional methods, use of the international colour-code standard on syringes and medication trays allows significantly more errors to be detected, and does so under conditions of cognitive load. Testing methods from experimental psychology provide important new insights for human factors research in anaesthesia and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Webster
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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3
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Godat T, Kohout K, Parkins K, Yang Q, McGregor JE, Merigan WH, Williams DR, Patterson SS. Cone-Opponent Ganglion Cells in the Primate Fovea Tuned to Noncardinal Color Directions. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1738232024. [PMID: 38548340 PMCID: PMC11063829 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1738-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
A long-standing question in vision science is how the three cone photoreceptor types-long (L), medium (M), and short (S) wavelength sensitive-combine to generate our perception of color. Hue perception can be described along two opponent axes: red-green and blue-yellow. Psychophysical measurements of color appearance indicate that the cone inputs to the red-green and blue-yellow opponent axes are M vs. L + S and L vs. M + S, respectively. However, the "cardinal directions of color space" revealed by psychophysical measurements of color detection thresholds following adaptation are L vs. M and S vs. L + M. These cardinal directions match the most common cone-opponent retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the primate retina. Accordingly, the cone opponency necessary for color appearance is thought to be established in the cortex. While neurons with the appropriate M vs. L + S and L vs. M + S opponency have been reported in the retina and lateral geniculate nucleus, their existence continues to be debated. Resolving this long-standing debate is necessary because a complete account of the cone opponency in the retinal output is critical for understanding how downstream neural circuits process color. Here, we performed adaptive optics calcium imaging to noninvasively measure foveal RGC light responses in the living Macaca fascicularis eye. We confirm the presence of L vs. M + S and M vs. L + S neurons with noncardinal cone opponency and demonstrate that cone-opponent signals in the retinal output are more diverse than classically thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Godat
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14611
| | - Kendall Kohout
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
| | - Juliette E McGregor
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - William H Merigan
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - David R Williams
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14611
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Sara S Patterson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14607
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Barrionuevo PA, Sandoval Salinas ML, Fanchini JM. Are ipRGCs involved in human color vision? Hints from physiology, psychophysics, and natural image statistics. Vision Res 2024; 217:108378. [PMID: 38458004 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Human photoreceptors consist of cones, rods, and melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). First studied in circadian regulation and pupillary control, ipRGCs project to a variety of brain centers suggesting a broader involvement beyond non-visual functions. IpRGC responses are stable, long-lasting, and with a particular codification of photoreceptor signals. In comparison with the transient and adaptive nature of cone and rod signals, ipRGCs' signaling might provide an ecological advantage to different attributes of color vision. Previous studies have indicated melanopsin's influence on visual responses yet its contribution to color perception in humans remains debated. We summarized evidence and hypotheses (from physiology, psychophysics, and natural image statistics) about direct and indirect involvement of ipRGCs in human color vision, by first briefly assessing the current knowledge about the role of melanopsin and ipRGCs in vision and codification of spectral signals. We then approached the question about melanopsin activation eliciting a color percept, discussing studies using the silent substitution method. Finally, we explore various avenues through which ipRGCs might impact color perception indirectly, such as through involvement in peripheral color matching, post-receptoral pathways, color constancy, long-term chromatic adaptation, and chromatic induction. While there is consensus about the role of ipRGCs in brightness perception, confirming its direct contribution to human color perception requires further investigation. We proposed potential approaches for future research, emphasizing the need for empirical validation and methodological thoroughness to elucidate the exact role of ipRGCs in human color vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Barrionuevo
- Allgemeine Psychologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Germany; Instituto de Investigación en Luz, Ambiente y Visión (ILAV), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - María L Sandoval Salinas
- Instituto de Investigación en Luz, Ambiente y Visión (ILAV), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones de Biodiversidad Argentina (PIDBA), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - José M Fanchini
- Instituto de Investigación en Luz, Ambiente y Visión (ILAV), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina; Departamento de Luminotecnia, Luz y Visión, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina
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Yang Z, Yan L, Zhang W, Qi J, An W, Yao K. Dyschromatopsia: a comprehensive analysis of mechanisms and cutting-edge treatments for color vision deficiency. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1265630. [PMID: 38298913 PMCID: PMC10828017 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1265630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Color blindness is a retinal disease that mainly manifests as a color vision disorder, characterized by achromatopsia, red-green color blindness, and blue-yellow color blindness. With the development of technology and progress in theory, extensive research has been conducted on the genetic basis of color blindness, and various approaches have been explored for its treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in understanding the pathological mechanism, clinical symptoms, and treatment options for color blindness. Additionally, we discuss the various treatment approaches that have been developed to address color blindness, including gene therapy, pharmacological interventions, and visual aids. Furthermore, we highlight the promising results from clinical trials of these treatments, as well as the ongoing challenges that must be addressed to achieve effective and long-lasting therapeutic outcomes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current state of research on color blindness, with the intention of informing further investigation and development of effective treatments for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Yang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenliang Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjing An
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Godat T, Kohout K, Yang Q, Parkins K, McGregor JE, Merigan WH, Williams DR, Patterson SS. Cone-Opponent Ganglion Cells in the Primate Fovea Tuned to Non-Cardinal Color Directions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.15.557995. [PMID: 37745616 PMCID: PMC10516013 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.557995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
A long-standing question in vision science is how the three cone photoreceptor types - long (L), medium (M) and short (S) wavelength sensitive - combine to generate our perception of color. Hue perception can be described along two opponent axes: red-green and blue-yellow. Psychophysical measurements of color appearance indicate that the cone inputs to the red-green and blue-yellow opponent axes are M vs. L+S and L vs. M+S, respectively. However, the "cardinal directions of color space" revealed by psychophysical measurements of color detection thresholds are L vs. M and S vs. L+M. The cardinal directions match the most common cone-opponent retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the primate retina. Accordingly, the cone opponency necessary for color appearance is thought to be established in cortex. However, small populations with the appropriate M vs. L+S and L vs. M+S cone-opponency have been reported in large surveys of cone inputs to primate RGCs and their projections to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) yet their existence continues to be debated. Resolving this long-standing open question is needed as a complete account of the cone-opponency in the retinal output is critical for efforts to understand how downstream neural circuits process color. Here, we performed adaptive optics calcium imaging to longitudinally and noninvasively measurements of the foveal RGC light responses in the living macaque eye. We confirm the presence of L vs. M+S and M vs. L+S neurons with non-cardinal cone-opponency and demonstrate that cone-opponent signals in the retinal output are substantially more diverse than classically thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Godat
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627
| | - Kendall Kohout
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
| | - Juliette E. McGregor
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642
| | - William H. Merigan
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642
| | - David R. Williams
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
- Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642
| | - Sara S. Patterson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14607
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Wang Y, Sun W, Xiao X, Jiang Y, Ouyang J, Wang J, Yi Z, Li S, Jia X, Wang P, Hejtmancik JF, Zhang Q. Unique Haplotypes in OPN1LW as a Common Cause of High Myopia With or Without Protanopia: A Potential Window Into Myopic Mechanism. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:29. [PMID: 37097228 PMCID: PMC10148663 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.4.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Specific haplotypes (LVAVA, LIVVA, and LIAVA) formed by five polymorphisms (p.L153M, p.V171I, p.A174V, p.I178V, and p.S180A in exon 3 of OPN1LW) that cause partial or complete exon skipping have been reported as unique genetic causes of high myopia with or without colorblindness. This study aimed to identify the contribution of OPN1LW to early-onset high myopia (eoHM) and the molecular basis underlying eoHM with or without colorblindness. Methods Comparative analysis of exome sequencing data was conducted for 1226 families with eoHM and 9304 families with other eye conditions. OPN1LW variants detected by targeted or whole exome sequencing were confirmed by long-range amplification and Sanger sequencing, together with segregation analysis. The clinical data were thoroughly analyzed. Results Unique haplotypes and truncation variants in OPN1LW were detected exclusively in 68 of 1226 families with eoHM but in none of the 9304 families with other visual diseases (P = 1.63 × 10-63). Four classes of variants were identified: haplotypes causing partial splicing defects in OPN1LW (LVAVA or LIVVA in 31 families), LVAVA in OPN1LW-OPN1MW hybrid gene (in 3 families), LIAVA in OPN1LW (in 29 families), and truncations in OPN1LW (in 5 families). The first class causes partial loss of red photopigments, whereas the latter three result in complete loss of red photopigments. This is different from the replacement of red with green owing to unequal re-arrangement causing red-green colorblindness alone. Of the 68 families, 42 affected male patients (31 families) with the first class of variants (LVAVA or LIVVA in OPN1LW) had eoHM alone, whereas 37 male patients with the latter 3 classes had eoHM with protanopia. Adaptive optics retinal imaging demonstrated reduced cone regularity and density in men with eoHM caused by OPN1LW variants compared to those patients with eoHM and without OPN1LW variants. Conclusion Based on the 68 families with unique variants in OPN1LW, our study provides firm evidence that the two different phenotypes (eoHM with or without colorblindness) are caused by two different classes of variants (partial splicing-effect haplotypes or complete splicing-effect haplotypes/truncation variants, respectively). The contribution of OPN1LW to eoHM (isolated and syndromic) was characterized by OPN1LW variants found in 5.5% (68/1226) of the eoHM families, making it the second most common cause of monogenic eoHM alone (2.4%) and a frequent cause of syndromic monogenic eoHM with colorblindness. Such haplotypes, in which each individual variant alone is considered a benign polymorphism, are potential candidates for other hereditary diseases with causes of missing genetic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenmin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueshan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - J Fielding Hejtmancik
- Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Section, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Qingjiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Rezeanu D, Neitz M, Neitz J. From cones to color vision: a neurobiological model that explains the unique hues. JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. A, OPTICS, IMAGE SCIENCE, AND VISION 2023; 40:A1-A8. [PMID: 37132996 PMCID: PMC11016238 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.477227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The irreducible unique hues-red, green, blue, and yellow-remain one of the great mysteries of vision science. Attempts to create a physiologically parsimonious model that can predict the spectral locations of the unique hues all rely on at least one post hoc adjustment to produce appropriate loci for unique green and unique red, and struggle to explain the non-linearity of the Blue/Yellow system. We propose a neurobiological color vision model that overcomes these challenges by using physiological cone ratios, cone-opponent normalization to equal-energy white, and a simple adaptation mechanism to produce color-opponent mechanisms that accurately predict the spectral locations and variability of the unique hues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Rezeanu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Rezeanu D, Neitz M, Neitz J. How We See Black and White: The Role of Midget Ganglion Cells. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:944762. [PMID: 35864822 PMCID: PMC9294633 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.944762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
According to classical opponent color theory, hue sensations are mediated by spectrally opponent neurons that are excited by some wavelengths of light and inhibited by others, while black-and-white sensations are mediated by spectrally non-opponent neurons that respond with the same sign to all wavelengths. However, careful consideration of the morphology and physiology of spectrally opponent L vs. M midget retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the primate retina indicates that they are ideally suited to mediate black-and-white sensations and poorly suited to mediate color. Here we present a computational model that demonstrates how the cortex could use unsupervised learning to efficiently separate the signals from L vs. M midget RGCs into distinct signals for black and white based only correlation of activity over time. The model also reveals why it is unlikely that these same ganglion cells could simultaneously mediate our perception of red and green, and shows how, in theory, a separate small population of midget RGCs with input from S, M, and L cones would be ideally suited to mediating hue perception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Neitz M, Wagner-Schuman M, Rowlan JS, Kuchenbecker JA, Neitz J. Insight from OPN1LW Gene Haplotypes into the Cause and Prevention of Myopia. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13060942. [PMID: 35741704 PMCID: PMC9222437 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a global health problem of staggering proportions that has driven the hunt for environmental and genetic risk factors in hopes of gaining insight into the underlying mechanism and providing new avenues of intervention. Myopia is the dominant risk factor for leading causes of blindness, including myopic maculopathy and retinal detachment. The fundamental defect in myopia—an excessively elongated eyeball—causes blurry distance vision that is correctable with lenses or surgery, but the risk of blindness remains. Haplotypes of the long-wavelength and middle-wavelength cone opsin genes (OPN1LW and OPN1MW, respectively) that exhibit profound exon-3 skipping during pre-messenger RNA splicing are associated with high myopia. Cone photoreceptors expressing these haplotypes are nearly devoid of photopigment. Conversely, cones in the same retina that express non-skipping haplotypes are relatively full of photopigment. We hypothesized that abnormal contrast signals arising from adjacent cones differing in photopigment content stimulate axial elongation, and spectacles that reduce contrast may significantly slow myopia progression. We tested for an association between spherical equivalent refraction and OPN1LW haplotype in males of European ancestry as determined by long-distance PCR and Sanger sequencing and identified OPN1LW exon 3 haplotypes that increase the risk of common myopia. We also evaluated the effects of contrast-reducing spectacles lenses on myopia progression in children. The work presented here provides new insight into the cause and prevention of myopia progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.S.R.); (J.A.K.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Jessica S. Rowlan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.S.R.); (J.A.K.); (J.N.)
| | - James A. Kuchenbecker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.S.R.); (J.A.K.); (J.N.)
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (J.S.R.); (J.A.K.); (J.N.)
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11
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Seeing and sensing temporal variations in natural daylight. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 273:275-301. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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Bartel P, Yoshimatsu T, Janiak FK, Baden T. Spectral inference reveals principal cone-integration rules of the zebrafish inner retina. Curr Biol 2021; 31:5214-5226.e4. [PMID: 34653362 PMCID: PMC8669161 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinal bipolar cells integrate cone signals at dendritic and axonal sites. The axonal route, involving amacrine cells, remains largely uncharted. However, because cone types differ in their spectral sensitivities, insights into bipolar cells' cone integration might be gained based on their spectral tunings. We therefore recorded in vivo responses of bipolar cell presynaptic terminals in larval zebrafish to widefield but spectrally resolved flashes of light and mapped the results onto spectral responses of the four cones. This "spectral circuit mapping" allowed explaining ∼95% of the spectral and temporal variance of bipolar cell responses in a simple linear model, thereby revealing several notable integration rules of the inner retina. Bipolar cells were dominated by red-cone inputs, often alongside equal sign inputs from blue and green cones. In contrast, UV-cone inputs were uncorrelated with those of the remaining cones. This led to a new axis of spectral opponency where red-, green-, and blue-cone "Off" circuits connect to "natively-On" UV-cone circuits in the outermost fraction of the inner plexiform layer-much as how key color opponent circuits are established in mammals. Beyond this, and despite substantial temporal diversity that was not present in the cones, bipolar cell spectral tunings were surprisingly simple. They either approximately resembled both opponent and non-opponent spectral motifs already present in the cones or exhibited a stereotyped non-opponent broadband response. In this way, bipolar cells not only preserved the efficient spectral representations in the cones but also diversified them to set up a total of six dominant spectral motifs, which included three axes of spectral opponency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Bartel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Biology Road, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK
| | - Takeshi Yoshimatsu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Biology Road, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK
| | - Filip K Janiak
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Biology Road, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK
| | - Tom Baden
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Biology Road, BN1 9QG Brighton, UK; Institute of Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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13
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Introduction. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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14
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Index. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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15
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16
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Visions. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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17
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Visions of a Digital Future. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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18
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Science, Vision, Perspective. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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19
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The Evolution of Eyes. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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20
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Computer Vision. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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21
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Vision of the Cosmos. Vision (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/9781108946339.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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22
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Neitz M, Neitz J. Intermixing the OPN1LW and OPN1MW Genes Disrupts the Exonic Splicing Code Causing an Array of Vision Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081180. [PMID: 34440353 PMCID: PMC8391646 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Light absorption by photopigment molecules expressed in the photoreceptors in the retina is the first step in seeing. Two types of photoreceptors in the human retina are responsible for image formation: rods, and cones. Except at very low light levels when rods are active, all vision is based on cones. Cones mediate high acuity vision and color vision. Furthermore, they are critically important in the visual feedback mechanism that regulates refractive development of the eye during childhood. The human retina contains a mosaic of three cone types, short-wavelength (S), long-wavelength (L), and middle-wavelength (M) sensitive; however, the vast majority (~94%) are L and M cones. The OPN1LW and OPN1MW genes, located on the X-chromosome at Xq28, encode the protein component of the light-sensitive photopigments expressed in the L and M cones. Diverse haplotypes of exon 3 of the OPN1LW and OPN1MW genes arose thru unequal recombination mechanisms that have intermixed the genes. A subset of the haplotypes causes exon 3- skipping during pre-messenger RNA splicing and are associated with vision disorders. Here, we review the mechanism by which splicing defects in these genes cause vision disorders.
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Abstract
Visual images can be described in terms of the illuminants and objects that are causal to the light reaching the eye, the retinal image, its neural representation, or how the image is perceived. Respecting the differences among these distinct levels of description can be challenging but is crucial for a clear understanding of color vision. This article approaches color by reviewing what is known about its neural representation in the early visual cortex, with a brief description of signals in the eye and the thalamus for context. The review focuses on the properties of single neurons and advances the general theme that experimental approaches based on knowledge of feedforward signals have promoted greater understanding of the neural code for color than approaches based on correlating single-unit responses with color perception. New data from area V1 illustrate the strength of the feedforward approach. Future directions for progress in color neurophysiology are discussed: techniques for improved single-neuron characterization, for investigations of neural populations and small circuits, and for the analysis of natural image statistics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D Horwitz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; .,Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
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24
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Paknahad J, Loizos K, Yue L, Humayun MS, Lazzi G. Color and cellular selectivity of retinal ganglion cell subtypes through frequency modulation of electrical stimulation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5177. [PMID: 33664347 PMCID: PMC7933163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84437-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epiretinal prostheses aim at electrically stimulating the inner most surviving retinal cells-retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)-to restore partial sight to the blind. Recent tests in patients with epiretinal implants have revealed that electrical stimulation of the retina results in the percept of color of the elicited phosphenes, which depends on the frequency of stimulation. This paper presents computational results that are predictive of this finding and further support our understanding of the mechanisms of color encoding in electrical stimulation of retina, which could prove pivotal for the design of advanced retinal prosthetics that elicit both percept and color. This provides, for the first time, a directly applicable "amplitude-frequency" stimulation strategy to "encode color" in future retinal prosthetics through a predictive computational tool to selectively target small bistratified cells, which have been shown to contribute to "blue-yellow" color opponency in the retinal circuitry. The presented results are validated with experimental data reported in the literature and correlated with findings in blind patients with a retinal prosthetic implant collected by our group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Paknahad
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853The Institute for Technology and Medical Systems (ITEMS), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Kyle Loizos
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853The Institute for Technology and Medical Systems (ITEMS), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Lan Yue
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Gianluca Lazzi
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853The Institute for Technology and Medical Systems (ITEMS), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
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25
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Isherwood ZJ, Joyce DS, Parthasarathy MK, Webster MA. Plasticity in perception: insights from color vision deficiencies. Fac Rev 2020; 9:8. [PMID: 33659940 PMCID: PMC7886061 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited color vision deficiencies typically result from a loss or alteration of the visual photopigments absorbing light and thus impact the very first step of seeing. There is growing interest in how subsequent steps in the visual pathway might be calibrated to compensate for the altered receptor signals, with the possibility that color coding and color percepts might be less severely impacted than the receptor differences predict. These compensatory adjustments provide important insights into general questions about sensory plasticity and the sensory and cognitive processes underlying how we experience color.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel S Joyce
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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26
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Restoring Color Perception to the Blind: An Electrical Stimulation Strategy of Retina in Patients with End-stage Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmology 2020; 128:453-462. [PMID: 32858064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Bioelectronic retinal prostheses that stimulate the remaining inner retinal neurons, bypassing degenerated photoreceptors, have been demonstrated to restore some vision in patients blinded by retinitis pigmentosa (RP). These implants encode luminance of the visual scene into electrical stimulation, however, leaving out chromatic information. Yet color plays an important role in visual processing when it comes to recognizing objects and orienting to the environment, especially at low spatial resolution as generated by current retinal prostheses. In this study, we tested the feasibility of partially restoring color perception in blind RP patients, with the aim to provide chromatic information as an extra visual cue. DESIGN Case series. PARTICIPANTS Seven subjects blinded by advanced RP and monocularly fitted with an epiretinal prosthesis. METHODS Frequency-modulated electrical stimulation of retina was tested. Phosphene brightness was controlled by amplitude tuning, and color perception was acquired using the Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue (RYGB) hue and saturation scaling model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Brightness and color of the electrically elicited visual perception reported by the subjects. RESULTS Within the tested parameter space, 5 of 7 subjects perceived chromatic colors along or nearby the blue-yellow axis in color space. Aggregate data obtained from 20 electrodes of the 5 subjects show that an increase of the stimulation frequency from 6 to 120 Hz shifted color perception toward blue/purple despite a significant inter-subject variation in the transition frequency. The correlation between frequency and blue-yellow perception exhibited a good level of consistency over time and spatially matched multi-color perception was possible with simultaneous stimulation of paired electrodes. No obvious correlation was found between blue sensations and array placement or status of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS These findings present a strategy for the generation and control of color perception along the blue-yellow axis in blind patients with RP by electrically stimulating the retina. It could transform the current prosthetic vision landscape by leading in a new direction beyond the efforts to improve the visual acuity. This study also offers new insights into the response of our visual system to electrical stimuli in the photoreceptor-less retina that warrant further mechanistic investigation.
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Abstract
A new study finds that individuals with color deficiencies report long-term changes in their color vision after only a few days of wearing glasses that boost color contrasts, potentially because they learn to see or interpret color in new ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Webster
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
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28
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Abstract
Snake genomes encode only two opsins for use in retinal cones, limiting their adaptive flexibility and color vision. Research now shows that, by using alternative opsin alleles, some sea snakes may add a third opsin spectral class to their retinas.
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29
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Webster MA. The Verriest Lecture: Adventures in blue and yellow. JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA. A, OPTICS, IMAGE SCIENCE, AND VISION 2020; 37:V1-V14. [PMID: 32400510 PMCID: PMC7233477 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.383625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Conventional models of color vision assume that blue and yellow (along with red and green) are the fundamental building blocks of color appearance, yet how these hues are represented in the brain and whether and why they might be special are questions that remain shrouded in mystery. Many studies have explored the visual encoding of color categories, from the statistics of the environment to neural processing to perceptual experience. Blue and yellow are tied to salient features of the natural color world, and these features have likely shaped several important aspects of color vision. However, it remains less certain that these dimensions are encoded as primary or "unique" in the visual representation of color. There are also striking differences between blue and yellow percepts that may reflect high-level inferences about the world, specifically about the colors of light and surfaces. Moreover, while the stimuli labeled as blue or yellow or other basic categories show a remarkable degree of constancy within the observer, they all vary independently of one another across observers. This pattern of variation again suggests that blue and yellow and red and green are not a primary or unitary dimension of color appearance, and instead suggests a representation in which different hues reflect qualitatively different categories rather than quantitative differences within an underlying low-dimensional "color space."
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31
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Thoreson WB, Dacey DM. Diverse Cell Types, Circuits, and Mechanisms for Color Vision in the Vertebrate Retina. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1527-1573. [PMID: 31140374 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00027.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic interactions to extract information about wavelength, and thus color, begin in the vertebrate retina with three classes of light-sensitive cells: rod photoreceptors at low light levels, multiple types of cone photoreceptors that vary in spectral sensitivity, and intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells that contain the photopigment melanopsin. When isolated from its neighbors, a photoreceptor confounds photon flux with wavelength and so by itself provides no information about color. The retina has evolved elaborate color opponent circuitry for extracting wavelength information by comparing the activities of different photoreceptor types broadly tuned to different parts of the visible spectrum. We review studies concerning the circuit mechanisms mediating opponent interactions in a range of species, from tetrachromatic fish with diverse color opponent cell types to common dichromatic mammals where cone opponency is restricted to a subset of specialized circuits. Distinct among mammals, primates have reinvented trichromatic color vision using novel strategies to incorporate evolution of an additional photopigment gene into the foveal structure and circuitry that supports high-resolution vision. Color vision is absent at scotopic light levels when only rods are active, but rods interact with cone signals to influence color perception at mesopic light levels. Recent evidence suggests melanopsin-mediated signals, which have been identified as a substrate for setting circadian rhythms, may also influence color perception. We consider circuits that may mediate these interactions. While cone opponency is a relatively simple neural computation, it has been implemented in vertebrates by diverse neural mechanisms that are not yet fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace B Thoreson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska ; and Department of Biological Structure, Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Dennis M Dacey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska ; and Department of Biological Structure, Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
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32
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Patterson SS, Neitz M, Neitz J. Reconciling Color Vision Models With Midget Ganglion Cell Receptive Fields. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:865. [PMID: 31474825 PMCID: PMC6707431 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Midget retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) make up the majority of foveal RGCs in the primate retina. The receptive fields of midget RGCs exhibit both spectral and spatial opponency and are implicated in both color and achromatic form vision, yet the exact mechanisms linking their responses to visual perception remain unclear. Efforts to develop color vision models that accurately predict all the features of human color and form vision based on midget RGCs provide a case study connecting experimental and theoretical neuroscience, drawing on diverse research areas such as anatomy, physiology, psychophysics, and computer vision. Recent technological advances have allowed researchers to test some predictions of color vision models in new and precise ways, producing results that challenge traditional views. Here, we review the progress in developing models of color-coding receptive fields that are consistent with human psychophysics, the biology of the primate visual system and the response properties of midget RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Patterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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33
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Patterson SS, Kuchenbecker JA, Anderson JR, Bordt AS, Marshak DW, Neitz M, Neitz J. An S-cone circuit for edge detection in the primate retina. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11913. [PMID: 31417169 PMCID: PMC6695390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Midget retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the most common RGC type in the primate retina. Their responses have been proposed to mediate both color and spatial vision, yet the specific links between midget RGC responses and visual perception are unclear. Previous research on the dual roles of midget RGCs has focused on those comparing long (L) vs. middle (M) wavelength sensitive cones. However, there is evidence for several other rare midget RGC subtypes receiving S-cone input, but their role in color and spatial vision is uncertain. Here, we confirm the existence of the single S-cone center OFF midget RGC circuit in the central retina of macaque monkey both structurally and functionally. We investigated the receptive field properties of the S-OFF midget circuit with single cell electrophysiology and 3D electron microscopy reconstructions of the upstream circuitry. Like the well-studied L vs. M midget RGCs, the S-OFF midget RGCs have a center-surround receptive field consistent with a role in spatial vision. While spectral opponency in a primate RGC is classically assumed to contribute to hue perception, a role supporting edge detection is more consistent with the S-OFF midget RGC receptive field structure and studies of hue perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Patterson
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - James R Anderson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Andrea S Bordt
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David W Marshak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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34
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Neitz M, Patterson SS, Neitz J. Photopigment genes, cones, and color update: disrupting the splicing code causes a diverse array of vision disorders. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2019; 30:60-66. [PMID: 32195292 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The human long- and middle-wavelength sensitive cone opsin genes exhibit an extraordinary degree of haplotype diversity that results from recombination mechanisms that have intermixed the genes. As a first step in expression, genes-including the protein coding exons and intervening introns-are transcribed. Next, transcripts are spliced to remove the introns and join the exons to generate a mature message that codes for the protein. Important information necessary for splicing is contained within exons, and is overlaid by the protein code. Intermixing the long- and middle-wavelength sensitive cone opsin genes has disrupted the splicing code, leading to exclusion of some exons from the mature message and is associated with several vision disorders including nearsightedness, cone dystrophy, and color vision deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Neitz
- University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Sciences Center, 750 Republican St, Box 358058, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Sara S Patterson
- University of Washington, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Vision Science Center, 750 Republican St, Box 358058, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Jay Neitz
- University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Sciences Center, 750 Republican St, Box 358058, Seattle, WA 98109
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35
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Schmidt BP, Boehm AE, Foote KG, Roorda A. The spectral identity of foveal cones is preserved in hue perception. J Vis 2019; 18:19. [PMID: 30372729 PMCID: PMC6205561 DOI: 10.1167/18.11.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms are faced with the challenge of making inferences about the physical world from incomplete incoming sensory information. One strategy to combat ambiguity in this process is to combine new information with prior experiences. We investigated the strategy of combining these information sources in color vision. Single cones in human subjects were stimulated and the associated percepts were recorded. Subjects rated each flash for brightness, hue, and saturation. Brightness ratings were proportional to stimulus intensity. Saturation was independent of intensity, but varied between cones. Hue, in contrast, was assigned in a stereotyped manner that was predicted by cone type. These experiments revealed that, near the fovea, long and middle wavelength sensitive cones produce sensations that can be reliably distinguished on the basis of hue, but not saturation or brightness. Taken together, these observations implicate the high-resolution, color-opponent parvocellular pathway in this low-level visual task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Schmidt
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra E Boehm
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Katharina G Foote
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Austin Roorda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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36
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Aston S, Radonjic A, Brainard DH, Hurlbert AC. Illumination discrimination for chromatically biased illuminations: Implications for color constancy. J Vis 2019; 19:15. [PMID: 30924843 PMCID: PMC6440550 DOI: 10.1167/19.3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We measured discrimination thresholds for illumination changes along different chromatic directions starting from chromatically biased reference illuminations. Participants viewed a Mondrian-papered scene illuminated by LED lamps. The scene was first illuminated by a reference illumination, followed by two comparisons. One comparison matched the reference (the target); the other (the test) varied from the reference, nominally either bluer, yellower, redder, or greener. The participant's task was to correctly select the target. A staircase procedure found thresholds for discrimination of an illumination change along each axis of chromatic change. Nine participants completed the task for five different reference illumination conditions (neutral, blue, yellow, red, and green). We find that relative discrimination thresholds for different chromatic directions of illumination change vary with the reference illumination. For the neutral reference, there is a trend for thresholds to be highest in the bluer illumination-change direction, replicating our previous reports of a "blue bias" for neutral reference illuminations. For the four chromatic references (blue, yellow, red, and green), the change in illumination toward the neutral reference is less well discriminated than changes in the other directions: a "neutral bias." The results have implications for color constancy: In considering the stability of surface appearance under changes in illumination, both the starting chromaticity of the illumination and direction of change must be considered, as well as the chromatic characteristics of the surface reflectance ensemble. They also suggest it will be worthwhile to explore whether and how the human visual system has internalized the statistics of natural illumination changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Aston
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Current address: Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Ana Radonjic
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David H Brainard
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anya C Hurlbert
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Current address: Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
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37
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Schmidt BP, Sabesan R, Tuten WS, Neitz J, Roorda A. Sensations from a single M-cone depend on the activity of surrounding S-cones. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8561. [PMID: 29867090 PMCID: PMC5986870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26754-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Color vision requires the activity of cone photoreceptors to be compared in post-receptoral circuitry. Decades of psychophysical measurements have quantified the nature of these comparative interactions on a coarse scale. How such findings generalize to a cellular scale remains unclear. To answer that question, we quantified the influence of surrounding light on the appearance of spots targeted to individual cones. The eye's aberrations were corrected with adaptive optics and retinal position was precisely tracked in real-time to compensate for natural movement. Subjects reported the color appearance of each spot. A majority of L-and M-cones consistently gave rise to the sensation of white, while a smaller group repeatedly elicited hue sensations. When blue sensations were reported they were more likely mediated by M- than L-cones. Blue sensations were elicited from M-cones against a short-wavelength light that preferentially elevated the quantal catch in surrounding S-cones, while stimulation of the same cones against a white background elicited green sensations. In one of two subjects, proximity to S-cones increased the probability of blue reports when M-cones were probed. We propose that M-cone increments excited both green and blue opponent pathways, but the relative activity of neighboring cones favored one pathway over the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Schmidt
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Ramkumar Sabesan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - William S Tuten
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Austin Roorda
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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38
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Manookin MB, Patterson SS, Linehan CM. Neural Mechanisms Mediating Motion Sensitivity in Parasol Ganglion Cells of the Primate Retina. Neuron 2018; 97:1327-1340.e4. [PMID: 29503188 PMCID: PMC5866240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Considerable theoretical and experimental effort has been dedicated to understanding how neural circuits detect visual motion. In primates, much is known about the cortical circuits that contribute to motion processing, but the role of the retina in this fundamental neural computation is poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of extracellular and whole-cell recording to test for motion sensitivity in the two main classes of output neurons in the primate retina-midget (parvocellular-projecting) and parasol (magnocellular-projecting) ganglion cells. We report that parasol, but not midget, ganglion cells are motion sensitive. This motion sensitivity is present in synaptic excitation and disinhibition from presynaptic bipolar cells and amacrine cells, respectively. Moreover, electrical coupling between neighboring bipolar cells and the nonlinear nature of synaptic release contribute to the observed motion sensitivity. Our findings indicate that motion computations arise far earlier in the primate visual stream than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Manookin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Vision Science Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Sara S Patterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Vision Science Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Conor M Linehan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Vision Science Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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39
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Oswald J, Baranov P. Regenerative medicine in the retina: from stem cells to cell replacement therapy. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2018; 10:2515841418774433. [PMID: 29998222 PMCID: PMC6016968 DOI: 10.1177/2515841418774433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the fast pace of the growing field of stem cell research, retinal cell replacement is finally emerging as a feasible mean to be explored for clinical application. Although neuroprotective treatments are able to slow the progression of retinal degeneration caused by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, they are insufficient to fully halt disease progression and unable to recover previously lost vision. Comprehensive, technological and intellectual advances over the past years, including the in vitro differentiation of retinal cells at manufacturing scale from embryonic stem (ES) cell and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell cultures, progress within the area of retinal disease modeling, and the first clinical trials have started to shape the way towards addressing this treatment gap and translating retinal cell replacement to the clinic. Here, summarize the most recent advances within retinal cell replacement from both a scientific and clinical perspective, and discuss the remaining challenges towards the delivery of the first retinal cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oswald
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
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40
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Beyeler M, Rokem A, Boynton GM, Fine I. Learning to see again: biological constraints on cortical plasticity and the implications for sight restoration technologies. J Neural Eng 2017; 14:051003. [PMID: 28612755 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa795e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The 'bionic eye'-so long a dream of the future-is finally becoming a reality with retinal prostheses available to patients in both the US and Europe. However, clinical experience with these implants has made it apparent that the visual information provided by these devices differs substantially from normal sight. Consequently, the ability of patients to learn to make use of this abnormal retinal input plays a critical role in whether or not some functional vision is successfully regained. The goal of the present review is to summarize the vast basic science literature on developmental and adult cortical plasticity with an emphasis on how this literature might relate to the field of prosthetic vision. We begin with describing the distortion and information loss likely to be experienced by visual prosthesis users. We then define cortical plasticity and perceptual learning, and describe what is known, and what is unknown, about visual plasticity across the hierarchy of brain regions involved in visual processing, and across different stages of life. We close by discussing what is known about brain plasticity in sight restoration patients and discuss biological mechanisms that might eventually be harnessed to improve visual learning in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Beyeler
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America. Institute for Neuroengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America. eScience Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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