Rhodopsin; Photoreceptor required for image-forming vision at low light intensity. Required for photoreceptor cell viability after birth. Light-induced isomerization of 11-cis to all-trans retinal triggers a conformational change that activates signaling via G-proteins. Subsequent receptor phosphorylation mediates displacement of the bound G-protein alpha subunit by the arrestin SAG and terminates signaling.

Photoreceptor-specific nuclear receptor; Orphan nuclear receptor of retinal photoreceptor cells. Transcriptional factor that is an activator of rod development and repressor of cone development. Binds the promoter region of a number of rod- and cone-specific genes, including rhodopsin, M- and S-opsin and rod-specific phosphodiesterase beta subunit. Enhances rhodopsin expression. Represses M- and S-cone opsin expression.

Rod cGMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase subunit beta; This protein participates in processes of transmission and amplification of the visual signal. Necessary for the formation of a functional phosphodiesterase holoenzyme.

Cone-rod homeobox protein; Transcription factor that binds and transactivates the sequence 5'-TAATC[CA]-3' which is found upstream of several photoreceptor-specific genes, including the opsin genes. Acts synergistically with other transcription factors, such as NRL, RORB and RAX, to regulate photoreceptor cell-specific gene transcription. Essential for the maintenance of mammalian photoreceptors.

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(t) subunit alpha-1; Functions as signal transducer for the rod photoreceptor RHO. Required for normal RHO-mediated light perception by the retina (By similarity). Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) function as transducers downstream of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as the photoreceptor RHO. The alpha chain contains the guanine nucleotide binding site and alternates between an active, GTP-bound state and an inactive, GDP-bound state. Activated RHO promotes GDP release and GTP binding. Signaling is mediated via downstream eff [...]

cGMP-gated cation channel alpha-1; Subunit of the rod cyclic GMP-gated cation channel, which is involved in the final stage of the phototransduction pathway. When light hits rod photoreceptors, cGMP concentrations decrease causing rapid closure of CNGA1/CNGB1 channels and, therefore, hyperpolarization of the membrane potential.

Recoverin; Acts as a calcium sensor and regulates phototransduction of cone and rod photoreceptor cells (By similarity). Modulates light sensitivity of cone photoreceptor in dark and dim conditions. In response to high Ca(2+) levels induced by low light levels, prolongs RHO/rhodopsin activation in rod photoreceptor cells by binding to and inhibiting GRK1-mediated phosphorylation of RHO/rhodopsin (By similarity). Plays a role in scotopic vision/enhances vision in dim light by enhancing signal transfer between rod photoreceptors and rod bipolar cells. Improves rod photoreceptor sensitivi [...]

Short-wave-sensitive opsin 1; Visual pigments are the light-absorbing molecules that mediate vision. They consist of an apoprotein, opsin, covalently linked to cis-retinal (By similarity). Required for the maintenance of cone outer segment organization in the ventral retina, but not essential for the maintenance of functioning cone photoreceptors. Involved in ensuring correct abundance and localization of retinal membrane proteins. May increase spectral sensitivity in dim light.