The molecular basis of mechanisms underlying polarization vision

N.W Roberts, M.L Porter, T.W Cronin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The underlying mechanisms of polarization sensitivity (PS) have long remained elusive. For rhabdomeric photoreceptors, questions remain over the high levels of PS measured experimentally. In ciliary photoreceptors, and specifically cones, little direct evidence supports any type of mechanism. In order to promote a greater interest in these fundamental aspects of polarization vision, we examined a varied collection of studies linking membrane biochemistry, protein–protein interactions, molecular ordering and membrane phase behaviour. While initially these studies may seem unrelated to polarization vision, a common narrative emerges. A surprising amount of evidence exists demonstrating the importance of protein–protein interactions in both rhabdomeric and ciliary photoreceptors, indicating the possible long-range ordering of the opsin protein for increased PS. Moreover, we extend this direction by considering how such protein paracrystalline organization arises in all cell types from controlled membrane phase behaviour and propose a universal pathway for PS to occur in both rhabdomeric and cone photoreceptors.
Translated title of the contributionThe molecular basis of mechanisms underlying polarization vision
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)627 - 637
Number of pages10
JournalPhilosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences
Volume366
Issue number1565
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The molecular basis of mechanisms underlying polarization vision'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this