Induction of photosensitivity by heterologous expression of melanopsin

Light exposure resulted in membrane depolarization and increased intracellular calcium in HEK293 cells expressing melanopsin, with a spectral sensitivity of approximately 479 nm.

• Melanopsin is required for photosensitivity in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs).
• The light response in the experimental setup closely resembled the responses of ipRGCs.
• Activation of G proteins, phospholipase C, and TRPC3 channels was involved in the phototransduction pathway.
• The findings suggest that melanopsin functions as a sensory photopigment in mammalian photoreceptors.

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