| Cryptochrome mediates light-dependent magnetosensitivity in Drosophila. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 18641630 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Although many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation, the precise biophysical mechanisms underlying magnetic sensing have been elusive. One theoretical model proposes that geomagnetic fields are perceived by chemical reactions involving specialized photoreceptors. However, the specific photoreceptor involved in such magnetoreception has not been demonstrated conclusively in any animal. Here we show that the ultraviolet-A/blue-light photoreceptor cryptochrome (Cry) is necessary for light-dependent magnetosensitive responses in Drosophila melanogaster. In a binary-choice behavioural assay for magnetosensitivity, wild-type flies show significant naive and trained responses to a magnetic field under full-spectrum light ( approximately 300-700 nm) but do not respond to the field when wavelengths in the Cry-sensitive, ultraviolet-A/blue-light part of the spectrum (<420 nm) are blocked. Notably, Cry-deficient cry(0) and cry(b) flies do not show either naive or trained responses to a magnetic field under full-spectrum light. Moreover, Cry-dependent magnetosensitivity does not require a functioning circadian clock. Our work provides, to our knowledge, the first genetic evidence for a Cry-based magnetosensitive system in any animal. |
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Authors:
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Robert J Gegear; Amy Casselman; Scott Waddell; Steven M Reppert |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Date: 2008-07-20 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Nature Volume: 454 ISSN: 1476-4687 ISO Abbreviation: Nature Publication Date: 2008 Aug |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2008-08-22 Completed Date: 2008-09-05 Revised Date: 2011-08-01 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0410462 Medline TA: Nature Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 1014-8 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Behavior, Animal / physiology, radiation effects Circadian Rhythm / physiology, radiation effects Cryptochromes Drosophila melanogaster / physiology*, radiation effects* Flavoproteins / genetics, metabolism* Light* Magnetics* Mutation Sensation / physiology, radiation effects* |
| Grant Support | |
ID/Acronym/Agency:
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R01 MH069883-05/MH/NIMH NIH HHS; R01 NS047141-05/NS/NINDS NIH HHS |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Cryptochromes; 0/Flavoproteins |
| Comments/Corrections | |
Comment In:
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Nature. 2008 Aug 21;454(7207):949-51
[PMID:
18719575
]
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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