title: Photoreceptor subtype specification: from flies to humans.
abstract: Multiple cell types often differentiate from a pluripotent cell. These cells may then further diversify as distinct subtypes. The visual system provides an ideal model for studying subtype specification as various photoreceptors acquire different functions based on the type of opsin they express. Opsin expression is mostly controlled through transcriptional mechanisms that are evolutionary conserved from Drosophila to humans. In addition, it appears that, from a "default" developmental state, distinct "acquired" photoreceptor states develop upon receiving intrinsic or extrinsic signals. This review discusses factors involved in opsin gene regulation and how their integration may explain how subtype specificity is achieved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, 1009 Main Building, 100 Washington Square East, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Desplan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D019901:Locus Control Region / Q000502:physiology; D009024:Morphogenesis; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / Q000502:physiology; D017299:Rod Opsins / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D017299:Rod Opsins