Tiffany M. Schmidt

SEX-DEPENDENT MODULATION OF WHOLE BRAIN cFOS EXPRESSION BY LIGHT AND MELANOPSIN IN THE MOUSE

The paper creates a whole-brain atlas of light-induced cFos expression in mice, revealing sex-dependent modulation by melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells beyond visual circuits.

Light gates hormonal modulation of threat avoidance in female mice

This study shows that female mice exhibit long-term threat avoidance modulated by the estrous cycle, with opposing effects of ipRGC disruption on male and female behavior.

Melanopsin contributes to circadian photic responses in mice in a sex-dependent manner

This study shows that melanopsin expression and its role in circadian photic responses differ between male and female mice.

Two-photon activation, deactivation, and coherent control of melanopsin in live cells

This paper demonstrates two-photon activation and modulation of melanopsin in live cells to study its tri-stability and function.

Light tunes a novel long-term threat avoidance behavior

The paper identifies a novel long-term threat avoidance behavior influenced by visual experience and mediated by melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells.

Genetic tuning of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell subtype identity to drive visual behavior

This study identifies Brn3b as a key transcription factor regulating ipRGC subtype identity and their associated visual behaviors in mice.

Atypical retinal function in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome

The paper investigates retinal function in a Fragile X syndrome mouse model, finding altered light sensitivity in a specific retinal neuron type due to changes in excitatory-inhibitory balance.

An ethologically relevant paradigm to assess visual contrast sensitivity in rodents

This study examines how visual contrast affects defensive behaviors in rodents, showing a sigmoid-like response and involvement of different retinal cell types.

Melanopsin activates divergent phototransduction pathways in ipRGC subtypes

This study resolves conflicting models of melanopsin phototransduction in ipRGC subtypes, showing HCN channels are dispensable in M4 and M2, with TRPC and T-type calcium channels playing key roles.

The Retinal Basis of Photoaversion in Neonatal Mice

This study identifies M1 ipRGCs as the primary driver of photoaversion in neonatal mice by showing their unique photosensitivity and behavioral relevance.

Atoh7-independent specification of retinal ganglion cell identity

This study shows that Atoh7 is essential for RGC survival but not for their specification, as RGCs can develop without Atoh7 when apoptosis is inhibited.

Cellular properties of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells during postnatal development

The paper characterizes the morphological and physiological properties of three ipRGC subtypes during postnatal development and finds they reach adult-like features at different times.

Distinct ipRGC subpopulations mediate light’s acute and circadian effects on body temperature and sleep

The paper shows that a specific subpopulation of ipRGCs projecting to the SCN mediates light's acute effects on body temperature and sleep, while other ipRGCs are involved in circadian regulation.