Publication

The Multistable Melanopsins of Mammals

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Last modified
  • 06/25/2025
Type of Material
Authors
    Alan Emanuel, Emory UniversityMichael Tri H. Do, Harvard University
Language
  • English
Date
  • 2023-04-26
Publisher
  • Frontiers
Publication Version
Copyright Statement
  • © 2023 Emanuel and Do
License
Final Published Version (URL)
Title of Journal or Parent Work
Volume
  • 3
Start Page
  • 1174255
Grant/Funding Information
  • National Institutes of Health (R01EY023648, R01EY034089, R01EY025555, and R21EY032731 to MTHD; P50HD105351 to Boston Children’s Hospital IDDRC; P30EY012196 to Harvard Medical School). The National Science Foundation (GRFP to AJE). The Harvard Brain Science Initiative Bipolar Seed Disorder Grant Program, Broderick Phytocannabinoid Research Initiative Grant Program, and The Molloy Family Innovation in Research grant (to MTHD).
Abstract
  • Melanopsin is a light-activated G protein coupled receptor that is expressed widely across phylogeny. In mammals, melanopsin is found in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which are especially important for “non-image” visual functions that include the regulation of circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood. Photochemical and electrophysiological experiments have provided evidence that melanopsin has at least two stable conformations and is thus multistable, unlike the monostable photopigments of the classic rod and cone photoreceptors. Estimates of melanopsin’s properties vary, challenging efforts to understand how the molecule influences vision. This article seeks to reconcile disparate views of melanopsin and offer a practical guide to melanopsin’s complexities.
Author Notes
Keywords
Research Categories
  • Biology, Molecular
  • Biology, Neuroscience
  • Chemistry, Biochemistry

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