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Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

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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, whereas...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Spatiotemporal Control of Protein Activity through Optogenetic Allosteric Regulation

Spatiotemporal Control of Protein Activity through Optogenetic Allosteric Regulation

Published on: October 4, 2024

Light-Activated RPE65 Inhibitors Enable On-Demand Visual Cycle Control.

Marco Bassetto^1,2,3, Bowen Li⁴, Xiuyuan Chen⁴

¹Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|May 19, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New light-activated therapies use photoswitchable visual cycle modulators (VCMs) to treat blinding diseases. This approach allows on-demand drug delivery, reducing side effects like night blindness and protecting retinal health.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Pharmacology
Biochemistry

Background:

Light is crucial for vision but can worsen blinding diseases linked to the visual (retinoid) cycle.
Current visual cycle modulators (VCMs) cause side effects like night blindness due to chronic suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop novel VCMs activated by visible light through Z→E photoisomerization.
To create light-inducible VCMs for targeted, on-demand inhibition of the visual cycle.

Main Methods:

Synthesized azobenzene-containing VCMs, including (Z)-9.
Investigated the photoisomerization of (Z)-9 to its active E-configuration using visible light.
Assessed the efficacy of (E)-9 in protecting the retina from toxicity and its pharmacodynamic duration compared to emixustat via electroretinography.

Main Results:

(Z)-9, a weak RPE65 inhibitor, becomes potent upon light-activated Z→E isomerization.
(E)-9 demonstrated retinal protection against visual cycle toxicity.
Oral administration of (E)-9 exhibited a shorter duration of action than emixustat.

Conclusions:

Established posterior-segment photopharmacology using light-activated VCMs.
Developed a blueprint for therapies mitigating daytime toxicity while preserving night vision.
Demonstrated the potential of light-activated VCMs for safer, more effective treatment of blinding retinopathies.