Opsin receptor

The opsin receptor family encompasses a large, diverse group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are sensitive to light due to a covalently bound chromophore, typically retinal[1][2][3][7]. Opsins have a canonical seven-transmembrane-domain structure and are primarily responsible for light detection (photoreception) in animal vision, but also play roles in non-visual photoreception such as circadian rhythm regulation[2][3][6][7]. Phylogenetically, the opsin family is subdivided into at least seven functional and molecular subfamilies, including vertebrate visual opsins, non-visual opsins, melanopsins, peropsins, neuropsins, encephalopsins (also called tmt-opsins), and retinal photoisomerases[1][3][6]. Opsins transduce light signals by activating specific G proteins, initiating downstream signaling pathways to convert photon absorption into physiological responses[3][6]. Mutations or dysfunction of opsins are linked to various visual disorders and some non-visual biological disruptions[6]. Notes on correctness: - The term "opsin receptor family" is too broad/generic; it refers to a large and evolutionarily diverse group rather than a single molecular target. For more structured information (such as interacting drugs or specific disease links), one would need to specify the particular opsin (e.g., rhodopsin, melanopsin)[1][2][3][6]. - "Opsin" is sometimes used interchangeably for multiple gene/protein products; standardization on a specific opsin is necessary for detailed therapeutic or pharmacological information.

Other names

opsinopsinsopsin familyanimal opsinsvisual opsinsrhodopsin-like receptors

Activation of G-protein signaling in response to light via chromophore (retinal) binding