Light affects the prefrontal cortex via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells

作者：Lorenzo Lazzerini Ospri, Jesse J. Zhan, Michael B Thomsen, H. M. Wang, Ruchi Komal, Qijun Tang, Fany Messanvi, Johann du Hoffmann, Kevin Cravedi, Yogita Chudasama, Samer Hattar, Haiqing Zhao · 发表于：Science Advances · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1126/sciadv.adh9251 · 被引用次数：32 · 研究领域：Circadian rhythm and melatonin、Photoreceptor and optogenetics research、Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is a part of the limbic system engaged in the regulation of social, emotional, and cognitive states, which are characteristically impaired in disorders of the brain such as schizophrenia and depression. Here, we show that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) modulate, through light, the integrity, activity, and function of the vmPFC. This regulatory role, which is independent of circadian and mood alterations, is mediated by an ipRGC-thalamic-corticolimbic pathway. Lack of ipRGC signaling in mice causes dendritic degeneration, dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and depressed neuronal activity in the vmPFC. These alterations primarily undermine the ability of the vmPFC to regulate emotions. Our discovery provides a potential light-dependent mechanism for certain PFC-centric disorders in humans.