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Unconventional Roles of Opsins
Nicole Y Leung1, Craig Montell1
1Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106;
Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|June 10, 2017
Summary
Opsins, traditionally known as light sensors, also have surprising light-independent functions. Research in fruit flies reveals their roles in circadian rhythms, temperature, and hearing, suggesting broader sensory capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
Background:
- Opsins are classical photoreceptors crucial for vision.
- Their roles in non-image-forming and extraocular light sensation are recently understood.
- An opsin in Drosophila melanogaster regulates circadian rhythms via pacemaker neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse functions of opsins beyond light detection.
- To investigate the emerging light-independent roles of opsins.
- To highlight opsins as potentially polymodal sensory receptors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.
- Investigated opsin expression in brain pacemaker neurons.
- Examined opsin involvement in circadian rhythm entrainment.
- Studied light-independent functions in sensory perception.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated opsin's role in light entrainment of circadian rhythms.
- Uncovered light-independent opsin functions in temperature sensation.
- Identified light-independent opsin functions in hearing.
- Provided evidence for opsins acting as polymodal sensory receptors.
Conclusions:
- Opsins possess significant light-independent functions, challenging the traditional view.
- Opsins are implicated in diverse sensory modalities, including circadian timing, thermosensation, and audition.
- Opsins represent a novel class of polymodal sensory receptors with potential roles across animal phyla.
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