PUBLICATION

Photoreceptor calyceal processes accompany the developing outer segment, adopting a stable length despite a dynamic core

Authors
Sharkova, M., Aparicio, G., Mouzaaber, C., Zolessi, F.R., Hocking, J.C.
ID
ZDB-PUB-240314-2
Date
2024
Source
Journal of Cell Science   137(7): (Journal)
Registered Authors
Aparicio, Gonzalo, Zolessi, Flavio
Keywords
Actin, Microvilli, Müller glia, Photoreceptors, Retinal pigment epithelium, Zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Actins*/metabolism
  • Animals
  • Photoreceptor Cells/metabolism
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate
  • Retina
  • Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/metabolism
  • Zebrafish*
PubMed
38477343 Full text @ J. Cell Sci.
Abstract
Vertebrate photoreceptors detect light through a large cilium-based outer segment, which is filled with photopigment-laden membranous discs. Surrounding the base of the outer segment are microvilli-like calyceal processes (CPs). While CP disruption has been associated with altered outer segment morphology and photoreceptor degeneration, the role of the processes remains elusive. Here, we used zebrafish as a model to characterize CPs. We quantified CP parameters and report a strong disparity in outer segment coverage between photoreceptor subtypes. CP length is stable across light and dark conditions, while heat shock inducible expression of tagged actin revealed rapid turnover of the CP actin core. Detailed imaging of the embryonic retina uncovered substantial remodeling of the developing photoreceptor apical surface, including a transition from dynamic tangential processes to vertically-oriented CPs immediately prior to outer segment formation. Remarkably, we also found a direct connection between apical extensions of the Müller glia and retinal pigment epithelium, arranged as bundles around the ultraviolet sensitive cones. In summary, our data characterize the structure, development, and surrounding environment of photoreceptor microvilli in the zebrafish retina.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Show all Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping