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A rhodopsin in the brain functions in circadian photoentrainment in Drosophila
A light-sensitive protein in the brain helps control daily rhythms in fruit flies
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Abstract
The previously uncharacterized rhodopsin Rh7 contributes to circadian light entrainment in fruitfly pacemaker neurons.
- Drosophila melanogaster relies on its internal circadian clock, which is influenced by light cycles.
- Rhodopsin-dependent light reception occurs in the compound eye and Hofbauer-Buchner eyelet.
- Central pacemaker neurons in the brain are key for light entrainment but primarily utilize the flavoprotein cryptochrome (Cry) as a light sensor.
- Loss of both Cry and Rh7 significantly impairs the fruitfly's ability to synchronize its circadian rhythms to light.
- Rh7 is essential for the pacemaker neurons' response to violet light, particularly in low-light conditions.
- This finding suggests a novel role for an opsin in the central brain's circadian function.
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