Retinal ganglion cells in model organisms: development, function and disease

Abstract

The vertebrate retina is the most peripheral part of the central nervous system. Light signals from the visual environment are captured by photoreceptors where they are converted to electrical signals, which then are processed by the excitatory and inhibitory pathways within the retinal network, and converted at the level of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) into spike trains. This culmination represents the synthesis of all signal processing in the retina. Within the spike code, which travels along ganglion cell axons (the optic nerve) to higher visual centres, is the essential information that is processed in the remaining visual system and is required for visual perception and behaviour. The normal development and physiological function of RGCs are fascinating research areas, in which significant progress has been made in recent years. In addition, diseases have been identified that have a primary effect on the ability of these relay neurons to function. This issue of The Journal of Physiology contains eight articles that highlight some of the recent findings and current thinking in these areas.