retinal rod cell differentiation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of a retinal rod cell. [GOC:dph]

Retinal rod photoreceptor cell differentiation is a complex process that begins with the commitment of multipotent retinal progenitor cells to a rod cell fate. This commitment is influenced by a variety of factors, including transcription factors, signaling pathways, and extracellular matrix components. Once committed, rod precursor cells undergo a series of developmental stages characterized by specific morphological and molecular changes.

Early rod precursors express markers such as CRX and NRL, key transcription factors essential for rod cell fate specification. As development progresses, these cells undergo a series of morphological changes, including the formation of the outer segment, a highly specialized structure containing rhodopsin, the light-sensitive pigment.

The formation of the outer segment is a complex process that involves the assembly of membrane discs, the synthesis and trafficking of rhodopsin, and the elongation of the outer segment. Rhodopsin, the primary photopigment in rod cells, is synthesized in the inner segment and transported to the outer segment via vesicles. As rhodopsin accumulates, the outer segment grows in length, eventually reaching a length of approximately 50 micrometers.

Along with rhodopsin synthesis and outer segment formation, other key events occur during rod cell differentiation:

* **Establishment of the phototransduction cascade:** This involves the expression and localization of proteins required for light signal transduction, including phosphodiesterase, transducin, and arrestin.
* **Development of the synaptic terminal:** Rod cells form synapses with bipolar cells, the second-order neurons in the retinal circuit. The development of the synaptic terminal involves the expression of synaptic proteins and the formation of specialized structures for neurotransmitter release.
* **Expression of specific ion channels:** Rod cells express specific ion channels responsible for maintaining their membrane potential and regulating the flow of ions across the cell membrane.

Retinal rod cell differentiation is a tightly regulated process that requires the coordinated expression of a large number of genes. This intricate developmental program ensures the formation of functional photoreceptor cells that are essential for vision in low-light conditions.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (28)