Biomarkers indicate altered outer retinal fluid homeostasis in the absence of Kv2.1/Kv8.2 channels.

Loss of Kv8.2 in ~5-week-old mice reduces light-evoked {Delta}ELM-RPE, indicating altered outer retinal fluid dynamics linked to subretinal space handling.

• Why it matters: Kv2.1/Kv8.2 channels shape photoreceptor electrical behavior, and potassium flux could influence extracellular osmolarity and outer retinal fluid distribution.
• What they did: OCT quantified light-dark changes in {Delta}ELM-RPE and ONL thickness in Kv8.2 heterozygous versus knockout mice, with RNA-seq, droplet digital RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunolabeling to assess osmotic pathways.
• The result: Kv8.2 knockout showed genotype-dependent light-dark ONL changes and upregulated osmosensitive genes, including osmolyte transporters and aquaporins, with increased AQP1 protein in photoreceptors.

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