Light-sensitive eye cells with different types and their role in seeing patterns

At least five distinct subtypes of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been identified in a melanopsin reporter mouse model.

• IpRGCs have been found to be more abundant and diverse than previously known.
• These cells project more widely in the brain than previously appreciated.
• IpRGCs heavily innervate areas involved in object localization and discrimination, such as the superior colliculus and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus.
• Mice that only rely on melanopsin for light detection can still discriminate visual stimuli and have measurable visual acuity.
• Nonclassical retinal photoreception may influence circuits and functions related to both luminance and spatial information.

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