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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
04:43
Visualizing Visual Adaptation
Published on: April 24, 2017
Physical interaction between VIVID and white collar complex regulates photoadaptation in Neurospora
Chen-Hui Chen1, Bradley S DeMay, Amy S Gladfelter
1Department of Genetics, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
Summary
Photoadaptation in Neurospora crassa involves a direct interaction between the VIVID (VVD) protein and the white collar complex (WCC). This interaction is crucial for regulating light responses and deciphering time information.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Photobiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Photoadaptation is vital for organisms to interpret light cues, but its molecular basis remains unclear.
- In Neurospora crassa, the blue-light photoreceptor VIVID (VVD) influences most light-responsive genes.
- The white collar complex (WCC) is the primary photoreceptor and transcription factor initiating light responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying photoadaptation in Neurospora crassa.
- To determine the interaction between VVD and WCC and its role in light signaling.
- To elucidate the contribution of VVD to photoadaptation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the physical interaction between VVD and WCC using protein assays.
- Utilized characterized VVD mutants to assess the correlation between interaction levels and WCC repression.
- Examined the subcellular localization of GFP-VVD fusion protein under light and dark conditions.
- Assessed the impact of constitutively expressed VVD on photoadaptation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a physical interaction between VVD and WCC.
- Showed that the VVD-WCC interaction level correlates with WCC repression in constant light.
- Found that light-insensitive VVD partially regulates photoadaptation in vivo.
- Observed VVD nuclear accumulation upon light induction, independent of light for localization.
- Constituted expression of VVD alone altered photoadaptation dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Established a direct molecular link between VVD and WCC, key components of light signaling in Neurospora.
- Identified a novel mechanism for light-sensitive eukaryotic cells to regulate responses to light.
- Highlighted the crucial role of VVD in modulating photoadaptation processes.
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