Molecular identification of wide-field amacrine cells in mouse retina that encode stimulus orientation

Park, S. J.; Lei, W.; Pisano, J.; Orpia, A.; Minehart, J.; Pottackal, J.; Hanke-Gogokhia, C.; Zapadka, T.; Clarkson-Paredes, C.; Popratiloff, A.; Ross, S. E.; Singer, J. H.; Demb, J.

doi:10.1101/2023.12.28.573580

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.12.28.573580

Molecular identification of wide-field amacrine cells in mouse retina that encode stimulus orientation

Park, S. J.·Lei, W.·Pisano, J.·Orpia, A.·Minehart, J.·Pottackal, J.·Hanke-Gogokhia, C.·Zapadka, T.·Clarkson-Paredes, C.·Popratiloff, A.·Ross, S. E.·Singer, J. H.·Demb, J.

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Abstract

Visual information processing in the retina is sculpted by a diverse group of inhibitory interneurons called amacrine cells. For most of the >60 amacrine cell types, molecular identities and specialized functional attributes remain unknown. Here, we developed an intersectional genetic strategy to target a group of wide-field amacrine cells (WACs) in mouse retina that co-express the transcription factor Bhlhe22 and the Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR; B/K WACs). B/K WACs feature straight, unbranched dendrites spanning over 0.5 mm (~15 deg visual angle) and produce non-spiking responses to either light increments or decrements. Two-photon dendritic population imaging reveals Ca2+ signals tuned to the physical orientations of B/K WAC dendrites, signifying a robust structure-function alignment. B/K WACs establish divergent connections with multiple retinal neurons, including unexpected connections with non-orientation-tuned ganglion cells and bipolar cells. Our work sets the stage for future comprehensive investigations of the most enigmatic group of retinal neurons: WACs.

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Park, S. J., Lei, W., Pisano, J., Orpia, A., Minehart, J., Pottackal, J., Hanke-Gogokhia, C., Zapadka, T., Clarkson-Paredes, C., Popratiloff, A., Ross, S. E., Singer, J. H., Demb, J.. 2023-12-29. Molecular identification of wide-field amacrine cells in mouse retina that encode stimulus orientation. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.28.573580

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