Guidance-cue control of horizontal cell morphology, lamination, and synapse formation in the mammalian outer retina

Ryota L. Matsuoka, Zheng Jiang, Ivy S. Samuels, Kim T. Nguyen-Ba-Charvet, Lu O. Sun, Neal S. Peachey, Alain Chédotal, King Wai Yau, Alex L. Kolodkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the vertebrate retina, neuronal circuitry required for visual perception is organized within specific laminae. Photoreceptors convey external visual information to bipolar and horizontal cells at triad ribbon synapses established within the outer plexiform layer (OPL), initiating retinal visual processing. However, the molecular mechanisms that organize these three classes of neuronal processes within the OPL, thereby ensuring appropriate ribbon synapse formation, remain largely unknown. Here we show that mice with null mutations in Sema6A or PlexinA4 (PlexA4) exhibit a pronounced defect in OPL stratification of horizontal cell axons without any apparent deficits in bipolar cell dendrite or photoreceptor axon targeting. Furthermore, these mutant horizontal cells exhibit aberrant dendritic arborization and reduced dendritic self-avoidance within the OPL. Ultrastructural analysis shows that the horizontal cell contribution to rod ribbon synapse formation in PlexA4 -/-retinas is disrupted. These findings define molecular components required for outer retina lamination and ribbon synapse formation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6859-6868
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume32
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - May 16 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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