Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Two Peeling Methods for the Isolation of Photoreceptor Cell Compartments in the Mouse Retina for Protein Analysis
Published on: December 7, 2021
Differential expression and interaction with the visual G-protein transducin of centrin isoforms in mammalian
Andreas Giessl1, Alexander Pulvermüller, Philipp Trojan
1Institut für Zoologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany.
Abstract:
Photoisomerization of rhodopsin activates a heterotrimeric G-protein cascade leading to closure of cGMP-gated channels and hyperpolarization of photoreceptor cells. Massive translocation of the visual G-protein transducin, Gt, between subcellular compartments contributes to long term adaptation of photoreceptor cells. Ca(2+)-triggered assembly of a centrin-transducin complex in the connecting cilium of photoreceptor cells may regulate these transducin translocations. Here we demonstrate expression of all four known, closely related centrin isoforms in the mammalian retina. Interaction assays revealed binding potential of the four centrin isoforms to Gtbetagamma heterodimers. High affinity binding to Gtbetagamma and subcellular localization of the centrin isoforms Cen1 and Cen2 in the connecting cilium indicated that these isoforms contribute to the centrin-transducin complex and potentially participate in the regulation of transducin translocation through the photoreceptor cilium. Binding of Cen2 and Cen4 to Gbetagamma of non-visual G-proteins may additionally regulate G-proteins involved in centrosome and basal body functions.
Related Concept Videos
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Channel Rhodopsins
Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...
The Retina

