An extended family of novel vertebrate photopigments is widely expressed and displays a diversity of function.

ABSTRACT: Light affects animal physiology and behavior more than simply through classical visual, image-forming pathways. Nonvisual photoreception regulates numerous biological systems, including circadian entrainment, DNA repair, metabolism, and behavior. However, for the majority of these processes, the photoreceptive molecules involved are unknown. Given the diversity of photophysiological responses, the question arises whether a single photopigment or a greater diversity of proteins within the opsin superfamily detect photic stimuli. Here, a functional genomics approach identified the full complement of photopigments in a highly light-sensitive model vertebrate, the zebrafish (Danio rerio), and characterized their tissue distribution, expression levels, and biochemical properties. The results pr

SUBMITTER: Davies WI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4617963 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature