Calcium dynamics change in degenerating cone photoreceptors

摘要

Cone photoreceptors (cones) are essential for high-resolution daylight vision and colour perception. Loss of cones in hereditary retinal diseases has a dramatic impact on human vision. The mechanisms underlying cone death are poorly understood, and consequently, there are no treatments available. Previous studies suggest a central role for calcium(Ca2+) homeostasis deficits in photoreceptor degeneration; however, direct evidence for this is scarce and physiological measurements of Ca2+ in degenerating mammalian cones are lacking.