Super-resolution microscopy reveals a Rab6a-dependent trafficking hub for rhodopsin at the mammalian rod photoreceptor Golgi.

ABSTRACT: Rod photoreceptor stability is critical for retinal health and lifelong vision. Rhodopsin (Rho) trafficking is essential for rod homeostasis, as its mislocalization precedes rod cell death in inherited retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms of Rho trafficking in mammalian rods remain largely undefined. We investigated Rho's subcellular organization in the mammalian rod Golgi complex. We utilized STORM and structured illumination microscopy super-resolution imaging to map Golgi proteins with Rho in mouse and macaque rods. Our analysis found that a large proportion of Rho in this subcellular region colocalizes with Rab6a in the trans-Golgi. To functionally test this interaction, we utilized a dominant-negative Rab6a mutant in HEK293T

SUBMITTER: Hekmatara M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12690528 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature