Language
English
Publication Date
11-21-2022
Journal
Current Biology
DOI
10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.016
PMID
36179691
PMCID
PMC9691582
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
11-21-2023
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Formation of neural circuits occurs in a programmed fashion, but proper activity in the circuit is essential for refining the organization necessary for driving complex behavioral tasks. In the retina, sensory deprivation during the critical period of development is well known to perturb organization of the visual circuit making the animals unable to use vision for behavior. However, the extent of plasticity, molecular factors involved and malleability of individual channels in the circuit to manipulations outside of the critical period are not well understood. In this study we selectively disconnected and reconnected rod photoreceptors in mature animals after completion of the retina circuit development. We found that introducing synaptic rod photoreceptor input post-developmentally allowed their integration into the circuit both anatomically and functionally. Remarkably, adult mice with newly integrated rod photoreceptors gained high sensitivity vision even when it was absent from birth. These observations reveal plasticity of the retina circuit organization after closure of the critical period and encourage development of vision restoration strategies for congenital blinding disorders.
Keywords
Mice, Animals, Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells, Retina, Synapses, Neuronal Plasticity
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Cao, Yan; Fajardo, Diego; Guerrero-Given, Debbie; et al., "Post-Developmental Plasticity of the Primary Rod Pathway Allows Restoration of Visually Guided Behaviors" (2022). Huffington Center on Aging Staff Publications. 69.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/aging_research/69
Graphical Abstract