Circadian organization of the vertebrate retina

Abstract

Our vision is different at different times of the day because our retina works differently at different times of day. These rhythms in the visual function are not just simple responses to the daily light-dark cycle but are in fact the overt expression of an endogenous, self-sustained circadian clock in the retina that drives many rhythms in retinal physiology and metabolism. Thus, the vertebrate retina is both a sensory organ and a 24-h biological clock. Here, we will explore the molecular, cellular, and neurochemical organization of the retinal circadian clock.