Basic Science
We use our basic science findings to inform clinical research.
Gallery
Myenteric Plexus Mouse Proximal Colon
Opn3-eGFP positive neuron in the myenteric plexus of the mouse proximal colon
Photoentrainment in Murine Skin
OPN5 mediates light-dependent induction of circadian clock gene and photoentrainment in exposed murine skin
Vascular Development in the Eye
An opsin 5-dopamine pathway mediates light-dependent vascular development in the eye
Neonatal Mouse Vibrissae (Whisker)
Ai14 reporter expression in neonatal mouse vibrissae and surrounding skin in the snout.
Neonatal Mouse Retina
Neonatal mouse retina labeled for vasculature with isolectin IB4. Vessel development can be modulated by light
Mouse Eye Developement
A direct and melanopsin-dependent fetal light response regulates mouse eye development
Opsin5 Hypothalamic Neuron
Violet-light suppression of thermogenesis by opsin5 hypothalamic neurons
Neuropsin Retinal Ganglion Cells
Retinal patterns and the cellular repertoire of neuropsin (Opn5) retinal ganglion cells
OPN3 Expression in Mouse Brain
Encephalopsin (OPN3) expression was first discovered in the mouse brain. In this visualization of OPN3 expression from Lena Gunhaga’s research group, optical projection tomography was used to identify the regions of the mouse brain that express the Opsin 3 gene. The broad domains of Opn3 expression raise the question of whether this opsin confers direct light sensitivity in brain neurons.