Mechanisms and Modulation of Opsin 3 Mediated Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation

Project Narrative Light-mediated relaxation of airway smooth muscle is a novel discovery by our laboratory but the cellular signaling mechanisms of opsin receptor activation have yet to be determined. We will identify the receptor signaling pathways by using synthetic retinal derivatives and the transfection of opsin receptors to change wavelength sensitivity of airway smooth muscle. We will also explore the mechanism of endogenous activation of opsin receptors with a naturally occurring direct agonist, β-ionone, that has the ability to activate opsin receptors in the absence of light.