The architecture of chemical and electrical synapses of horizontal cell dendrites in the mouse retina
2025
Spinelli, Matteo
This thesis investigated the spatial distribution and mutual interaction of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (GluAs) and connexin57 (Cx57)-containing gap junctions in mouse retinal horizontal cells. Using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, the study identified GluA2 clusters at desmosome-like junctions beneath cone pedicles in close association with Cx57, suggesting interactions between chemical and electrical synapses. Analysis of transgenic mouse models revealed that Cx57 expression depends on the presence of GluA2/4 at the dendrites of horizontal cells. These results suggest a glutamatergic dependent plasticity of gap junctional coupling within the dendritic network of horizontal cells. Additional analyses revealed, that the colocalization of ZO-1 with Cx57 exhibits regional variations, which are linked to the dorso-ventral gradient of S-opsin expression. These findings highlight adaptations in synaptic architecture across the retina for optimized visual processing.
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