Membrane structures and functional correlates in the bi-segmented eye lens of the cephalopod

Regini, Justyn W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6149-5893, Yagi, Naoto, Young, Robert D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8300-8002, Tanioka, Hidetoshi, Kinoshita, Shigeru, Hoshino, Masato, Uesugi, Kentaro, Meek, Keith M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9948-7538, Augousti, Andy T., Knupp, Carlo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9127-2252, Pierscionek, Barbara K., Quantock, Andrew J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2484-3120 and Elliott, Gerald F. 2024. Membrane structures and functional correlates in the bi-segmented eye lens of the cephalopod. Biology Open 13 (9) , bio060445. 10.1242/bio.060445

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Abstract

The cephalopod eye lens is unique because it has evolved as a compound structure with two physiologically distinct segments. However, the detailed ultrastructure of this lens and precise optical role of each segment are far from clear. To help elucidate structure–function relationships in the cephalopod lens, we conducted multiple structural investigations on squid. Synchrotron x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy disclose that an extensive network of structural features that resemble cell membrane complexes form a substantial component of both anterior and posterior lens segments. Optically, the segments are distinct, however, and Talbot interferometry indicates that the posterior segment possesses a noticeably higher refractive index gradient. We propose that the hitherto unrecognised network of membrane structures in the cephalopod lens has evolved to act as an essential conduit for the internal passage of ions and other metabolic agents through what is otherwise a highly dense structure owing to a very high protein concentration.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Optometry and Vision Sciences
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, Type: open-access
Publisher:	The Company of Biologists
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 August 2024
Date of Acceptance:	31 July 2024
Last Modified:	30 Aug 2024 10:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171665

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