Role of Rhodopsins as Circadian Photoreceptors in the Drosophila melanogaster

Light profoundly affects the circadian clock and the activity levels of animals. Along with the systematic changes in intensity and spectral composition, over the 24-h day, light shows considerable irregular fluctuations (noise). Using light as the Zeitgeber for the circadian clock is, therefore, a...

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Published in:Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2019-01, Vol.8 (1), p.6
Main Authors: Senthilan, Pingkalai R, Grebler, Rudi, Reinhard, Nils, Rieger, Dirk, Helfrich-Förster, Charlotte
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Circadian rhythm
Circadian rhythms
Drosophila melanogaster
electroretinogram
Entrainment
entrainment, Rhodopsin 7
Eye
immunocytochemistry
Insects
Light
Photoreceptors
retina
Review
Rhodopsin
Rhodopsins
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Summary:Light profoundly affects the circadian clock and the activity levels of animals. Along with the systematic changes in intensity and spectral composition, over the 24-h day, light shows considerable irregular fluctuations (noise). Using light as the Zeitgeber for the circadian clock is, therefore, a complex task and this might explain why animals utilize multiple photoreceptors to entrain their circadian clock. The fruit fly possesses light-sensitive Cryptochrome and seven Rhodopsins that all contribute to light detection. We review the role of Rhodopsins in circadian entrainment, and of direct light-effects on the activity, with a special emphasis on the newly discovered Rhodopsin 7 (Rh7). We present evidence that Rhodopsin 6 in receptor cells 8 of the compound eyes, as well as in the extra retinal Hofbauer-Buchner eyelets, plays a major role in entraining the fly's circadian clock with an appropriate phase-to-light⁻dark cycles. We discuss recent contradictory findings regarding Rhodopsin 7 and report original data that support its role in the compound eyes and in the brain. While Rhodopsin 7 in the brain appears to have a minor role in entrainment, in the compound eyes it seems crucial for fine-tuning light sensitivity to prevent overshooting responses to bright light.
ISSN:2079-7737
2079-7737
DOI:10.3390/biology8010006