Summary
This study identifies light-induced gene expression pathways in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis that parallel mammalian circadian entrainment mechanisms, involving opsin-based photoreception, glutamatergic neurotransmission, and induction of core clock genes cry2 and npas2. While focused on insect biology, the findings suggest evolutionarily conserved light-signaling pathways that may inform broader understanding of how light resets circadian clocks across species.
Key Findings
- Maximum gene induction occurred after 2 hours of light stimulation, with 1432 genes significantly upregulated.
- Light pulse induced expression of opsin gene opblue and core clock genes cry2 and npas2 in wasp heads.
- Pathway analysis revealed light activation of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, including CREB and AP-1 transcription factor signaling — pathways similar to mammalian circadian light entrainment.
- Proposed model for CRY1-independent circadian light resetting involves opsin-based photoreception → glutamatergic neurotransmission → cry2/npas2 induction.
Categories
Sleep & Circadian Health: Investigates molecular pathways of circadian light entrainment and clock resetting in response to light pulses.
The Science of Light: Characterizes opsin-based photoreception and light-induced gene expression cascades relevant to phototransduction and circadian entrainment mechanisms.
Author(s)
Y Wang, LW Beukeboom, B Wertheim, RA Hut
Publication Year
2023
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The Science of Light
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- The mammalian circadian timing system: organization and coordination of central and peripheral clocks
- Diminished pupillary light reflex at high irradiances in melanopsin-knockout mice
- Melanopsin is required for non-image-forming photic responses in blind mice