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SPECIALITY

New type of nerve cell

discovered in the retina

The newly identified Campana cell could play a role in visual signal processing

cientists at the John A.
Moran Eye Center at the
SUniversity of Utah have
discovered a new type of nerve
cell, or neuron, in the retina.

In the central nervous system
a complex circuitry of neurons
communicate with each other
to relay sensory and motor
information; so-called interneurons
serve as intermediaries in
the chain of communication.
Publishing in the Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences
of the United States of America,
a research team led by Ning
Tian, PhD, identifies a previously
unknown type of interneuron in the
mammalian retina.
Image source: healthcare.utah.edu
The discovery marks a notable
development for the field as “In the brain, persistent firing cells of Utah, and the Department of
scientists work toward a better are believed to be involved in Ophthalmology of Wayne State
understanding of the central nervous memory and learning,” said Tian. University School of Medicine.
system by identifying all classes of “Since Campana cells have a The work was also supported by
neurons and their connections. similar behavior, we theorize they Ligon Research Center of Vision,
could play a role in prompting a Kresge Eye Institute, and the Dryer
“Based on its morphology, temporal ‘memory’ of a recent Foundation.
physiology, and genetic properties, stimulation.”
this cell doesn’t fit into the five Story Source:
classes of retinal neurons first The published research study is: Materials provided by University of
identified more than 100 years ago,” “An uncommon neuronal class Utah Health. Note: Content may be
said Tian. “We propose they might conveys visual signals from rods edited for style and length.
belong to a new retinal neuron class and cones to retinal ganglion cells.”
by themselves.” Authors are: Brent K. Young, Charu Related Multimedia:
Ramakrishnan, Tushar Ganjawala, The newly identified Campana cell.
The research team named their Ping Wang, Karl Deisseroth, and
discovery the Campana cell after its Ning Tian. Journal Reference:
shape, which resembles a hand bell. 1. Brent K. Young, Charu
Campana cells relay visual signals Funding for the research came from Ramakrishnan, Tushar
from both types of light-sensing National Institutes of Health grants Ganjawala, Ping Wang, Karl
rod and cone photoreceptors in the R01EY012345, R01EY031699, Deisseroth, Ning Tian. An
retina, but their precise purpose is T32EY024234, HHMI. This work uncommon neuronal class
the subject of ongoing research. was supported by NIH Core Grant conveys visual signals from rods
Experiments showed Campana cells (EY014800), and an Unrestricted and cones to retinal ganglion
remain activated for an unusually Grant from Research to Prevent cells. Proceedings of the National
long time -- as long as 30 seconds -- Blindness, New York, NY, to the Academy of Sciences, 2021;
in response to a 10 millisecond light Department of Ophthalmology 118 (44): e2104884118 DOI:
flash stimulation. & Visual Sciences, University 10.1073/pnas.2104884118

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