Review on the role of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the onset and progression of mental disorders

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.11.013

Abstract

Abstract:

The retina is the peripheral sensor of light information and the only part of the central nervous system accessible to direct observation. It is also regarded as a “window to the brain” due to its developmental and structural similarity to the brain. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) within the neural retina transmit signals of environmental light changes to the brain via both intrinsic melanopsin-mediated currents and integrated signals from rod/cone input. ipRGCs project widely to multiple brain regions that regulate circadian rhythm, emotion, cognition and sleep. Numerous studies have indicated that ipRGC dysfunction may impair light-evoked emotional and sleep-wake behavioral changes, and may play a key role in the occurrence and development of insomnia, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and mental disorders associated with physical diseases. Therefore, understanding and futher exploring the function of ipRGCs may help discover potential treatment targets, which is of great value for improving the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This review summarizes the physiological characteristics and functions of ipRGCs, as well as current research findings in animal models of mental disorders and in patients, aiming to provide references for future interventions targeting ipRGC function in mental disorders.

Key words: intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC), melanopsin, mental disorder

CLC Number:

R749

JIA Chenxi, ZHU Jiayi, DU Jiang, ZHAO Min. Review on the role of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the onset and progression of mental disorders[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2025, 45(11): 1536-1544.

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References 89

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