The research study group at Umeå University, together with researchers in the group of Professor Richard Lang in Cincinnati, USA, now demonstrate that a light receptor called Opsin 3 is already revealed in parts of the main and peripheral anxious systems during the early stages of fetal development. Opsin 3 identifies light in the blue variety at a wavelength of roughly 480 nanometres. The Umeå researchers discovery of the expression pattern of this receptor suggests that light plays a vital role in the development and subsequent function of the brain. The scientists continue with more detailed studies of how Opsin 3 impacts the development and function of the brain.
The research study group at Umeå University, together with researchers in the group of Professor Richard Lang in Cincinnati, USA, now show that a light receptor called Opsin 3 is currently revealed in parts of the peripheral and central nervous systems throughout the early stages of fetal advancement. The Opsin 3 molecule has a distinct however broad expression that recommends an important role in the formation of various neurons, neural pathways and areas of the brain and spinal cord. Opsin 3 expression can be connected to a number of motor and sensory neural pathways that regulate movement, vision, discomfort, and olfaction, in addition to memory, emotion and mood.
3D image of an early mouse fetus showing initial Opsin3 expression in red versus a background of anatomical structures in blue. The image was taken with optical project tomography. Credit: Wayne Davies
While the concept that light may impact cells inside the body, even in the coming fetus, may seem peculiar, both experiments and calculations have actually previously shown that light can go through skin, soft tissue and the skull to activate photoreceptors.
Opsin 3 spots light in the blue range at a wavelength of roughly 480 nanometres. The Umeå researchers discovery of the expression pattern of this receptor suggests that light plays an important function in the advancement and subsequent function of the brain.
Lena Gunhaga, professor at UCMM, Umeå University, Sweden. Credit: Mattias Pettersson
” Although more research study is needed before we can provide recommendations about particular light therapies for pregnant females, we are clearly on an exciting track that might eventually show extremely significant,” states Lena Gunhaga.
While the brand-new findings are based on observations of the brain and nerve system of mice, the function is considered to be similar in human beings. The scientists continue with more in-depth research studies of how Opsin 3 impacts the development and function of the brain. The study is released in the clinical journal eNeuro.
Reference: “Distinct Opsin 3 (Opn3) Expression in the Developing Nervous System during Mammalian Embryogenesis” by Wayne I. L. Davies, Soufien Sghari, Brian A. Upton, Christoffer Nord, Max Hahn, Ulf Ahlgren, Richard A. Lang and Lena Gunhaga, 20 August 2021, eNeuro.DOI: 10.1523/ ENEURO.0141-21.2021.
There may be a link in between direct exposure to light throughout pregnancy and fetal brain development. New findings by researchers at Umeå University, Sweden, operating in cooperation with American associates, may provide better understanding of certain neurological diseases later on in life.
” Ultimately, this discovery might open up possibilities for utilizing the ideal type of light stimulation throughout pregnancy to reduce the threat of neurological disorders in their adult years,” says Professor Lena Gunhaga at Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University.