Evolution of Opsin Genes in Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera)

• Published in: Genome biology and evolution 2024-09, Vol.16 (9)
• Main Authors: Powell, Ashlyn, Heckenhauer, Jacqueline, Pauls, Steffen U, Ríos-Touma, Blanca, Kuranishi, Ryoichi B, Holzenthal, Ralph W, Razuri-Gonzales, Ernesto, Bybee, Seth, Frandsen, Paul B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Chromophores; Evolution, Molecular; Evolutionary genetics; Gene families; Insect Proteins - genetics; Insecta; Insecta - genetics; Letter; Opsins; Opsins - genetics; Photopigments; Phylogeny; Trichoptera; Wavelength
• ISSN: 1759-6653; 1759-6653
• DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae185

Abstract Insects have evolved complex and diverse visual systems in which light-sensing protein molecules called “opsins” couple with a chromophore to form photopigments. Insect photopigments group into three major gene families based on wavelength sensitivity: long wavelength (LW), short wavelength (SW), and ultraviolet wavelength (UV). In this study, we identified 123 opsin sequences from whole-genome assemblies across 25 caddisfly species (Insecta: Trichoptera). We discovered the LW opsins have the most diversity across species and form two separate clades in the opsin gene tree. Conversely, we observed a loss of the SW opsin in half of the trichopteran species in this study, which might be associated with the fact that caddisflies are active during low-light conditions. Lastly, we found a single copy of the UV opsin in all the species in this study, with one exception: Athripsodes cinereus has two copies of the UV opsin and resides within a clade of caddisflies with colorful wing patterns.