Development and maintenance of vision's first synapse

Synapses in the outer retina are the first information relay points in vision. Here, photoreceptors form synapses onto two types of interneurons, bipolar cells and horizontal cells. Because outer retina synapses are particularly large and highly ordered, they have been a useful system for the discovery of mechanisms underlying synapse specificity and maintenance. Understanding these processes is critical to efforts aimed at restoring visual function through repairing or replacing neurons and promoting their connectivity. We review outer retina neuron synapse architecture, neural migration modes, and the cellular and molecular pathways that play key roles in the development and maintenance of these connections. We further discuss how these mechanisms may impact connectivity in the retina.

Automated summary

Synapses in the outer retina are crucial for vision, serving as the first relay points for information. The large and ordered nature of these synapses makes them a valuable system for studying synaptic specificity and maintenance mechanisms. Understanding the development, maintenance, and connectivity of these synapses is essential for restoring visual function.