Berlin 2015 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 19: Multi-cellular systems
BP 19.10: Talk
Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 12:15–12:30, H 1058
Optical Modulation Transfer by the Vertebrate Retina — •Kaushikaram Subramanian1, Zuzanna Blaszczak2, Matthäus Mittasch1, Alfonso Garcia Ulloa1, Jochen Guck3, and Moritz Kreysing1 — 1The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany — 2Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK — 3Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
It has puzzled biologists for centuries that the vertebrate retina is inverted with respect to its optical function: photons need to traverse multiple layers of living neuronal tissue before detection by photoreceptor cells. Recent findings indicate that cells situated in this light path might circumvent this unfortunate situation by acting as light guides or minimizing light scattering by adapting their nuclear architecture. Using the concept of modulation transfer functions we yield the retina's transmission properties with respect to spatial frequencies. Results from a study in mice are discussed in the light of i) retinal architecture in terms of lateral cell positioning, ii) shape and orientation of individual cells, and iii) optical contribution of subcellular architecture and size distribution of organelles. We further discuss options to employ this platform to determine the relative significance of distinct layers in imparting transparency to retina by genetic deletion of certain cell types. Taking cue from cellular level studies and theoretical models, the research further aims to incorporate ultrastructure of the retina as the basis of light scattering in sub-wavelength regime to understand and explain its superior optical qualities.