Myosin VI is required for normal retinal function

Different unconventional myosins have been shown to play important roles in sensory function, including vision. We investigated the role of myosin VI by examining the retinas of mice carrying a null mutation in the myosin VI gene. Myosin VI was found to be present in the photoreceptor and RPE cells of normal retinas. In the absence of myosin VI, the amplitudes of the a- and b-waves of the electroretinogram were reduced, although there was not photoreceptor cell loss and retinal anatomy appeared normal. Our results indicate that myosin VI is required in photoreceptor cells for normal retinal electrophysiology.