Ferret Retina Research Articles

Ciliogenesis of The Retinal Photoreceptor

Development of the modified cilium in rod photoreceptors is unique in that, unlike other ciliated epithelia, the photoreceptor cilium does not project into a free lumen but rather abuts against the apex of another epithelial cell, i.e. pigmented epithelium. Development of the modified cilium in rod photoreceptors of the ferret retina involves a temporary invagination of the plasma membrane encircling the base of each developing cilium. This study proposes a mechanism that would account for this apical invagination into which the connecting cilium develops.