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Vision using multiple distinct rod opsins in deep-sea fishes
Zuzana Musilova1,2, Fabio Cortesi1,3, Michael Matschiner4,5,6
1Zoological Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. zuzana.musilova@natur.cuni.cz fabio.cortesi@uqconnect.edu.au walter.salzburger@unibas.ch.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 11, 2019
Summary
Deep-sea fish, like the silver spinyfin, have evolved multiple rhodopsin 1 (RH1) genes for enhanced vision. This expansion allows them to perceive both dim daylight and deep-sea bioluminescence.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Vision Science
- Genomics
Background:
- Vertebrate vision relies on photopigments, with dim light vision typically using a single rod opsin (RH1).
- Deep-sea environments present unique visual challenges due to low light and bioluminescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolution of rod opsin (RH1) gene repertoires in deep-sea teleost fish.
- To understand the molecular and functional basis of enhanced vision in these species.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide inspection of 101 fish genomes.
- Identification and analysis of RH1 gene expansions in deep-sea lineages.
- Molecular and functional characterization of opsins in the silver spinyfin (Diretmus argenteus).
Main Results:
- Three independent expansions of RH1 gene repertoires were found in deep-sea teleost lineages.
- The silver spinyfin possesses an exceptionally high number of visual opsins (2 cone, 38 rod).
- Spinyfins express up to 14 RH1 variants, covering residual daylight and bioluminescence spectra.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent evolution of multiple rod opsin-based vision has occurred in vertebrates.
- Expanded RH1 repertoires provide a molecular and functional basis for vision in extreme deep-sea environments.
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