What is Rhodopsin?

Rhodopsin, also known as “visual purple”, is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family and is found in the rod photoreceptor cells of the retina. This protein is essential for vision in low light conditions as it converts light into an electrical signal. Rhodopsin consists of a protein called scotopsin which binds to a photo reactive chromophore, the 11-cis-retinal.

Rhodopsin Function

When light enters the eye it is absorbed by rhodopsin, which converts its 11-cis -retinal into all-trans-retinal, which causes opsin dissociation. This process of separation is called photodecomposition and rhodopsin is said to be bleached by the action of light. The all-trans-retinal that is released during bleaching is either stored or changed back to 11-cis-retinal and transported back to the rods. This recycling process leads to the regeneration of rhodopsin and takes place in darkness.

Rhodopsin in Disease

Mutations in the rhodopsin gene (RHO) lead to various retinopathies in humans such as retinitis pigmentosa which can be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked disorder.

Rhodopsin is the most extensively studied G-protein-coupled receptor, and knowledge about its structure serves as a template for other related receptors.

Rhodopsin research requires a great diversity of life science products. We are dedicated to developing cutting edge research products to aid in the study of rhodopsins, including antibodies.

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