Molecular Classification and Comparative Taxonomies of Foveal and Peripheral Cells in Primate Retina

A team of researchers led by Harvard's Joshua Sanes applied high-throughput genetic sequencing methods to create the first cellular atlas of the primate retina. They found that while the fovea and peripheral retina share most of the same cell types, cells are found in different proportions in each region, and many show different gene-expression patterns.

The study, Sanes said, offers an important foundation for researchers to build on as they seek to understand how vision works in primates, including humans, and how it can be disrupted by disease.