Full text is available at the source.
Blue-light sensors using vitamin B2 in the light-sensing pathway help set the body clock in mammals
Updated
Abstract
Cryptochromes 1 and 2 (CRY1 and CRY2) are specifically expressed in the ganglion cell and inner nuclear layers of the mouse retina.
- Opsins in the retina are known for vision but their role in circadian regulation is unclear.
- Retinal ganglion cells transmit light signals to the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
- CRY1 is found at high levels in the SCN and shows circadian oscillation.
- The expression of CRY2 in plants is linked to photoperiodism, suggesting a similar function in mammals.
- Mammals may utilize a vitamin A-based pigment for vision and a vitamin B2-based pigment for circadian clock entrainment.
Simplified