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The circadian photopigment melanopsin is expressed in the blind subterranean mole rat, Spalax
The light-sensing pigment melanopsin is present in the blind underground mole rat
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Abstract
The blind subterranean mole rat, Spalax, exhibits a higher density of melanopsin-positive retinal ganglion cells compared to the rat.
- Melanopsin is expressed in retinal ganglion cells of the Spalax, which co-store PACAP, a neurotransmitter involved in circadian rhythm regulation.
- Despite severe eye degeneration, Spalax can still adjust its circadian rhythms to environmental light/dark cycles.
- The melanopsin component in Spalax retinal ganglion cells is conserved, suggesting its importance in circadian photoreception.
- The presence of melanopsin indicates a potential role in mediating light signals to the circadian clock in Spalax.
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