1472-Cryo-EM Structures of Human Cone Visual Pigments
This research article details the first high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of the three human cone opsins responsible for color vision: long-, middle-, and short-wavelength-sensitive pigments. By capturing these proteins in their active states complexed with a G protein, researchers identified unique molecular features that distinguish color vision from the dim-light vision mediated by rhodopsin. Key findings include a specialized "serine ring" in blue-sensitive opsins and a different counterion switch mechanism in red and green pigments, which together facilitate spectral…
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