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Circadian rhythms in Mexican blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus in the lab and in the field

Author

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  • Andrew Beale

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street)

  • Christophe Guibal

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
    University College London, Gower Street
    Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Biología, Ciudad Universitaria)

  • T. Katherine Tamai

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street)

  • Linda Klotz

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street)

  • Sophie Cowen

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street)

  • Elodie Peyric

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street)

  • Víctor H. Reynoso

    (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Biología, Ciudad Universitaria)

  • Yoshiyuki Yamamoto

    (University College London, Gower Street)

  • David Whitmore

    (Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street)

Abstract

Biological clocks have evolved as an adaptation to life on a rhythmic planet, synchronising physiological processes to the environmental light–dark cycle. Here we examine circadian clock function in Mexican blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus and its surface counterpart. In the lab, adult surface fish show robust circadian rhythms in per1, which are retained in cave populations, but with substantial alterations. These changes may be due to increased levels of light-inducible genes in cavefish, including clock repressor per2. From a molecular standpoint, cavefish appear as if they experience ‘constant light’ rather than perpetual darkness. Micos River samples show similar per1 oscillations to those in the lab. However, data from Chica Cave shows complete repression of clock function, while expression of several light-responsive genes is raised, including DNA repair genes. We propose that altered expression of light-inducible genes provides a selective advantage to cavefish at the expense of a damped circadian oscillator.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Beale & Christophe Guibal & T. Katherine Tamai & Linda Klotz & Sophie Cowen & Elodie Peyric & Víctor H. Reynoso & Yoshiyuki Yamamoto & David Whitmore, 2013. "Circadian rhythms in Mexican blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus in the lab and in the field," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3769
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3769
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    Cited by:

    1. Rachel L. Moran & Emilie J. Richards & Claudia Patricia Ornelas-García & Joshua B. Gross & Alexandra Donny & Jonathan Wiese & Alex C. Keene & Johanna E. Kowalko & Nicolas Rohner & Suzanne E. McGaugh, 2023. "Selection-driven trait loss in independently evolved cavefish populations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-19, December.

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