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Abstract
Mouse retinal rhythms are most sensitive to short-wavelength light but do not require traditional photoreceptors.
- Molecular circadian clocks in the retina can synchronize with environmental light cycles independently of brain input.
- Unexpectedly, existing photoreceptors like rods, cones, and melanopsin are not necessary for this synchronization.
- Retinas lacking neuropsin (OPN5) fail to respond to light for circadian rhythm synchronization, despite normal visual functions.
- Initial evidence indicates that OPN5 is found in specific retinal ganglion cells.
- Corneal circadian rhythms also show light sensitivity ex vivo, which similarly depends on OPN5.
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