A hybrid stochastic/deterministic model of single photon response and light adaptation in mouse rods

The phototransduction cascade is paradigmatic for signaling pathways initiated by G protein-coupled receptors and is characterized by a fine regulation of photoreceptor sensitivity and electrical response to a broad range of light stimuli. Here, we present a biochemically comprehensive model of phototransduction in mouse rods based on a hybrid stochastic and deterministic mathematical framework, and a quantitatively accurate description of the rod impedance in the dark. The latter, combined with novel patch clamp recordings from rod outer segments, enables the interconversion of dim flash responses between photovoltage and photocurrent and thus direct comparison with the simulations. The model reproduces the salient features of the experimental photoresponses at very dim and bright stimuli, for both normal photoreceptors and those with genetically modified cascade components. Our modelling approach recapitulates a number of recent findings in vertebrate phototransduction. First, our results are in line with the recently established requirement of dimeric activation of PDE6 by transducin and further show that such conditions can be fulfilled at the expense of a significant excess of G protein activated by rhodopsin. Secondly, simulations suggest a crucial role of the recoverin-mediated Ca2+-feedback on rhodopsin kinase in accelerating the shutoff, when light flashes are delivered in the presence of a light background. Finally, stochastic simulations suggest that transient complexes between dark rhodopsin and transducin formed prior to light stimulation increase the reproducibility of single photon responses. Current limitations of the model are likely associated with the yet unknown mechanisms governing the shutoff of the cascade. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology.

Automated summary

This study presents a comprehensive biochemical model of phototransduction in mouse rods, accurately describing the rod impedance and enabling the interconversion of dim flash responses. The model reproduces experimental photoresponses and confirms recent findings in vertebrate phototransduction, including the requirement of dimeric activation of PDE6 by transducin and the role of recoverin-mediated Ca2+-feedback on rhodopsin kinase. Stochastic simulations also suggest the importance of transient complexes between dark rhodopsin and transducin in increasing the reproducibility of single photon responses.