Neuroscience
Characterizing Müller Glia Ripples using Optophysiology
Max Trager
Neuroscience
Max Trager
Müller cells are the primary glial cell of the retina, the light sensor of the eye, acting as neuronal support structures extending radially across the thickness of the retina. They maintain and modulate retinal neuronal metabolism by regulating neural waste, protecting from exposure to excess neurotransmitters, and redistributing extracellular K+ ions to maintain ion homeostasis. The recent use of optophysiological GCaMP, or calcium indicating, activity sensors have revealed that clusters of müller cells display coordinated, wave-like activity in the form of glial ripples. The significance for retinal processing remains elusive, and further characterization is required. In this proposed research we plan to study the mechanisms of their propagation between individual müller glia.