The Special Editors for this feature issue are Scott Nawy and Henrique von Gersdorff:

• Bipolar cells occupy a unique position in the vertebrate retina as they functionally link the outer and inner retina: In the outer retina, their dendrites are postsynaptic to photoreceptors and horizontal cells, while in the inner retina, their axon terminals are presynaptic to ganglion and/or amacrine cells. Bipolar cells are thus a critical bottleneck for the transfer of information from the outer to the inner retina. Synaptic transmission at each end of the cell is accomplished through highly novel mechanisms, by activation of the still poorly understood mGluR6 receptor/G protein cascade (in ON bipolar cells) at one end, and by release of synaptic vesicles from unconventional ribbon-like structures at the other. Recent studies have begun to bring both these complex processes into focus, but there is still much to be learned.

  The aim of this special issue was to highlight emerging research and themes regarding the function of bipolar cells. We seek contributions that include (but are not limited to) the following topics: Mechanisms of ON bipolar cell signal transduction, intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of transmitter release, and the organization and specialization of bipolar cell subtypes.

Instructions

Manuscripts should be submitted online, prepared in accord with the instructions for contributors at the journal website (http://www.journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=VNS). Please indicate that your paper is being submitted for this feature issue. Manuscripts will be subjected to peer review under the editorial guidance of Scott Nawy (scott.nawy@einstein.yu.edu) and Henrique von Gersdorff (vongersd@ohsu.edu) While the focus of this feature issue is on original research, reviews, mini reviews, and perspectives will also be considered.

Further questions about manuscript submission and the review process can be directed to the Editor-in-Chief, Benjamin Reese (vns@lifesci.ucsb.edu).