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Dscamb regulates cone mosaic formation in zebrafish via filopodium-mediated homotypic recognition

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  • Dongpeng Hu

    (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University)

  • Ichiro Masai

    (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University)

Abstract

Cone photoreceptors assemble to form a regular mosaic pattern in vertebrate retinas. In zebrafish, four distinct spectral cone types (red, green, blue, and ultraviolet), form a lattice-like pattern. However, the mechanism of cone mosaic formation has been unknown. Here we show that Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule b (Dscamb) regulates the cone mosaic pattern in zebrafish, especially via red-cone spacing. During photoreceptor differentiation, newly formed cones extend filopodium-like processes laterally to apical surfaces of neighboring cones. Interestingly, red cones extend filopodia, but promptly retract them when they meet their own cone type, suggesting filopodium-mediated, homotypic recognition and self-avoidance. This self-avoidance is compromised in zebrafish dscamb mutants, leading to abnormal clustering of red cones and subsequent disruption of regular cone spacing. Thus, apical filopodium-mediated spacing of the same cone type depends on Dscamb and is essential for cone mosaic formation in zebrafish.

Suggested Citation

  • Dongpeng Hu & Ichiro Masai, 2025. "Dscamb regulates cone mosaic formation in zebrafish via filopodium-mediated homotypic recognition," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57506-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57506-1
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