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Jonathan Demb, PhD

Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science

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Jonathan Demb, PhD

Research Summary

The broad goal of my laboratory is to understand how information is processed by the central nervous system (CNS) at the level of specific cell types and circuits. As our model system, we work on the mammalian retina. The retina has a clear role in behavior, and many of its cell types and circuits are well defined. Furthermore, retina is one area of the CNS that can be studied in vitro while presenting its natural stimulus: light patterns.

We study functional circuitry by whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology of identified retinal cell types, labeled with fluorescent markers (transgenic and viral approaches) and visualized in living tissue (2-photon microscopy). We perform quantitative analysis of cellular morphology and synaptic connections (confocal microscopy); and functional properties of light-evoked responses (computational modeling). We are also studying neurotransmitter release by direct imaging of fluorescent sensors, including the glutamate biosensor intensity-based glutamate-sensing fluorescent reporter (iGluSnFR).

Our immediate goals are to define and characterize novel interneuron pathways in the mouse retina using optogenetic, electrophysiology and inactivation methods. We are also studying the cellular mechanisms that underlie contrast adaptation in retinal circuitry. We also aim to reveal synaptic dysfunction in mouse models of eye disease.

Extensive Research Description

Current projects include: optogenetic techniques to define new interneuron circuits in the retina; optical imaging of neurotransmitter release in retinal circuitry; elucidating the role of NMDA receptors in visual processing; cellular basis of visual adaptation; mechanisms of retinal disease.

Coauthors

Research Interests

Adaptation, Physiological; Neurophysiology; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Synapses; Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells; Retinal Bipolar Cells

Research Images

webImage_iGluSnFR
Stimulating the in vitro retina with visual contrast in a 'Y' shape evokes glutamate release from bipolar cell axon terminals in the same 'Y' shape, imaged with the glutamate sensor iGluSnFR (from Borghuis et al., 2013).

Selected Publications

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