visual system development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the visual system over time, from its formation to the mature structure, including the eye, parts of the central nervous system (CNS) involved in processing of visual inputs, and connecting nerve pathways. [GOC:aruk, GOC:bc, GOC:krc, PMID:15004427, PMID:20647017, PMID:22632727]

Visual system development is a complex and intricate process that begins early in embryonic development and continues throughout life. It involves the coordinated interplay of multiple cell types, signaling pathways, and genetic programs to create a functional visual system capable of capturing light, converting it into electrical signals, and transmitting those signals to the brain for interpretation.

The process can be broadly divided into several key stages:

1. **Eye field formation and specification**: The development of the eye begins with the formation of the eye field, a region of the neural plate that is destined to become the eye. This process is regulated by complex interactions between signaling molecules like fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and transcription factors like Pax6 and Rx.
2. **Eye vesicle formation and optic cup development**: The eye field folds inward to form the optic vesicle, which subsequently invaginates to form the optic cup. The optic cup is composed of two layers: the outer pigmented epithelium and the inner neural retina. The neural retina will eventually give rise to the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells.
3. **Retinal cell fate specification**: Within the neural retina, progenitor cells undergo a series of cell fate decisions, ultimately giving rise to the diverse cell types that comprise the retina, including photoreceptors, bipolar cells, ganglion cells, horizontal cells, and amacrine cells. These decisions are regulated by complex gene expression networks and cell-cell interactions.
4. **Axon outgrowth and target innervation**: Once differentiated, retinal ganglion cells extend axons that navigate through the developing brain to reach their appropriate targets in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus and the superior colliculus. This process is guided by molecular cues and involves complex interactions between axons and their target cells.
5. **Synapse formation and refinement**: Once axons reach their targets, they form synapses with their postsynaptic partners. These synapses are initially immature but undergo a process of refinement during development. This refinement involves the elimination of inappropriate synapses and the strengthening of appropriate synapses.
6. **Visual experience-dependent plasticity**: After birth, the visual system continues to develop and refine its connections in response to visual experience. This process, known as experience-dependent plasticity, allows the visual system to adapt to the specific environment in which it is developing.

Throughout these stages, there is constant communication and interaction between different cell types, signaling pathways, and genetic programs. This intricate interplay ensures that the visual system develops correctly and is able to function effectively.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (29)