| First Author | Dyer B | Year | 2024 |
| Journal | Cell Rep Methods | Volume | 4 |
| Issue | 8 | Pages | 100837 |
| PubMed ID | 39127043 | Mgi Jnum | J:369528 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:8218066 | Doi | 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100837 |
| Citation | Dyer B, et al. (2024) Defining spatial nonuniformities of all ipRGC types using an improved Opn4(cre) recombinase mouse line. Cell Rep Methods 4(8):100837 |
| abstractText | Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a crucial role in several physiological light responses. In this study, we generate an improved Opn4(cre) knockin allele (Opn4(cre(DSO))), which faithfully reproduces endogenous Opn4 expression and improves compatibility with widely used reporters. We evaluated the efficacy and sensitivity of Opn4(cre(DSO)) for labeling in retina and brain and provide an in-depth comparison with the extensively utilized Opn4(cre(Saha)) line. Through this characterization, Opn4(cre(DSO)) demonstrated higher specificity in labeling ipRGCs with minimal recombination escape. Leveraging a combination of electrophysiological, molecular, and morphological analyses, we confirmed its sensitivity in detecting all ipRGC types (M1-M6) and defined their unique topographical distribution across the retina. In the brain, the Opn4(cre(DSO)) line labels ipRGC projections with minimal labeling of cell bodies. Overall, the Opn4(cre(DSO)) mouse line represents an improved tool for studying ipRGC function and distribution, offering a means to selectively target these cells to study light-regulated behaviors and physiology. |
