RGC

RGC is an acronym that can refer to several distinct terms across different fields. In biology and neuroscience, it most commonly denotes retinal ganglion cells, a class of neurons in the retina that transmit visual information from photoreceptors to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal ganglion cells come in several subtypes, including ON-center and OFF-center cells, as well as intrinsically photosensitive RGCs that express melanopsin and help regulate pupil responses and circadian rhythms. Loss or dysfunction of RGCs is a key feature of optic neuropathies such as glaucoma.

In government and funding, RGC appears in a number of official titles. The Royal Government of Cambodia is commonly abbreviated as RGC in English-language sources and refers to the central government of Cambodia. The Hong Kong government runs the Research Grants Council, another widely cited RGC, which administers public funding for basic and applied research across disciplines. In addition, the acronym is sometimes used by regional bodies and councils that oversee local planning, development, and policy coordination, with names such as regional government council or regional growth council varying by jurisdiction.

As with many acronyms, the meaning of RGC is context-dependent. When encountering the term, identifying the relevant domain—neuroscience, government, or research administration—helps determine the appropriate expansion and interpretation.