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Cone outer segment morphogenesis: taper change and distal invaginations
1C. und O. Vogt Institut für Hirnforschung, Medizinische Einrichtungen der Universität Düsseldorf, Federal Republic of Germany.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Cone outer segments (COS) incorporate new membrane through distal invaginations (DI). These DI increase COS length, reducing taper during development and in mature cones after tip shedding.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Retinal Development
- Photoreceptor Structure
Background:
- Cone outer segments (COS) are known to undergo continuous renewal.
- Understanding membrane incorporation during COS morphogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify how cone outer segments (COS) incorporate new membrane.
- To investigate the role of COS morphogenesis in Xenopus tadpoles.
Main Methods:
- Standard histological techniques for Xenopus tadpole retinas.
- Light and electron microscopy for ultrastructural examination.
Main Results:
- Developing COS showed a decreasing taper (width/length) due to distal invaginations (DI).
- DI are partial membrane infoldings within distal COS, increasing length without altering local width.
- DI formation is proposed as a mechanism for new membrane incorporation and COS taper regulation.
Conclusions:
- Distal invaginations (DI) are identified as key sites for new membrane incorporation in COS.
- DI formation contributes to the generation of COS taper during development.
- DI play a role in remodeling COS taper in mature cones following tip shedding.