Dynamic plasticity in phototransduction regulates seasonal changes in color perception.

ABSTRACT: To cope with seasonal changes in the environment, organisms adapt their physiology and behavior. Although color perception varies among seasons, the underlying molecular basis and its physiological significance remain unclear. Here we show that dynamic plasticity in phototransduction regulates seasonal changes in color perception in medaka fish. Medaka are active and exhibit clear phototaxis in conditions simulating summer, but remain at the bottom of the tank and fail to exhibit phototaxis in conditions simulating winter. Mate preference tests using virtual fish created with computer graphics demonstrate that medaka are more attracted to orange-red-colored model fish in summer than in winter. Transcriptome analysis of the eye reveals dynamic seasonal changes in the expression of genes enc

SUBMITTER: Shimmura T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5583187 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature