Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Vibratome Sectioning Mouse Retina to Prepare Photoreceptor Cultures
11:22

Vibratome Sectioning Mouse Retina to Prepare Photoreceptor Cultures

Published on: December 22, 2014

21.2K

MicroRNA maintenance of cone outer segments

Kathryn B Moore1, Monica L Vetter1

  • 1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.

Neuron
|August 8, 2014
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs, specifically miR-182 and miR-183, are crucial for maintaining cone photoreceptor outer segments. These structures are essential for vision and are lost in degenerative diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cone photoreceptors are vital for sharp, color vision.
  • Degenerative diseases cause loss of photoreceptor outer segments, leading to vision impairment.
  • The molecular mechanisms maintaining photoreceptor outer segments are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microRNAs in the maintenance of cone photoreceptor outer segments.
  • To identify specific microRNAs involved in photoreceptor health and function.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized molecular biology techniques to study microRNA expression in retinal tissues.
  • Employed genetic manipulation to assess the function of specific microRNAs in photoreceptor maintenance.
  • Analyzed the structural integrity of cone photoreceptor outer segments under different microRNA conditions.

Main Results:

  • Identified a critical role for microRNAs, specifically miR-182 and miR-183, in photoreceptor outer segment maintenance.
  • Demonstrated that dysregulation of these microRNAs leads to outer segment loss.
  • Showcased the importance of miR-182 and miR-183 for cone photoreceptor function.

Conclusions:

  • miR-182 and miR-183 are essential regulators of cone photoreceptor outer segment structure and function.
  • These microRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets for treating retinal degenerative diseases affecting cone photoreceptors.

More Related Videos

Imaging Ca2+ Dynamics in Cone Photoreceptor Axon Terminals of the Mouse Retina09:05

Imaging Ca2+ Dynamics in Cone Photoreceptor Axon Terminals of the Mouse Retina

Published on: May 6, 2015

12.3K
Cone-Enriched Cultures from the Retina of Chicken Embryos to Study Rod to Cone Cellular Interactions08:04

Cone-Enriched Cultures from the Retina of Chicken Embryos to Study Rod to Cone Cellular Interactions

Published on: March 20, 2021

3.7K

Related Concept Videos

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
3.8K
The Retina01:32

The Retina

The retina is a layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transduces light into neural signals. This process, called phototransduction, is carried out by rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the back of the retina.
56.6K
Anatomy of the Eyeball01:20

Anatomy of the Eyeball

The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle...
8.4K
Microtubules in Signaling01:22

Microtubules in Signaling

The primary cilium, made up of microtubules, acts as antennae on the cell surfaces for relaying external stimuli into the cells. These fine hair-like structures are present, generally one per cell. These are non-motile cilia in a 9+0 microtubules arrangement, where the central pair of microtubules are absent. The primary cilia arise from the basal body embedded in the cell membrane. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) carries requisite proteins from the cytoplasm to the cilium because the primary...
1.5K
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
8.3K
Unrenewable Cells00:50

Unrenewable Cells

In humans, the photoreceptor cells of the eye and sensory hair cells of the ear lack stem cells. These cells are thus unrenewable and cannot be replaced when they are damaged or destroyed.
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
2.1K