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Cryptochrome mediates light-dependent magnetosensitivity in Drosophila

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  • Robert J. Gegear

    (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA)

  • Amy Casselman

    (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA)

  • Scott Waddell

    (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA)

  • Steven M. Reppert

    (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA)

Abstract

Although many animals use the Earth’s magnetic field for orientation and navigation1,2, the precise biophysical mechanisms underlying magnetic sensing have been elusive. One theoretical model proposes that geomagnetic fields are perceived by chemical reactions involving specialized photoreceptors3. However, the specific photoreceptor involved in such magnetoreception has not been demonstrated conclusively in any animal. Here we show that the ultraviolet-A/blue-light photoreceptor cryptochrome (Cry) is necessary for light-dependent magnetosensitive responses in Drosophila melanogaster. In a binary-choice behavioural assay for magnetosensitivity, wild-type flies show significant naive and trained responses to a magnetic field under full-spectrum light (∼300–700 nm) but do not respond to the field when wavelengths in the Cry-sensitive, ultraviolet-A/blue-light part of the spectrum (

Suggested Citation

  • Robert J. Gegear & Amy Casselman & Scott Waddell & Steven M. Reppert, 2008. "Cryptochrome mediates light-dependent magnetosensitivity in Drosophila," Nature, Nature, vol. 454(7207), pages 1014-1018, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:454:y:2008:i:7207:d:10.1038_nature07183
    DOI: 10.1038/nature07183
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    Cited by:

    1. Fatik Baran Mandal & Bikash Chakroborty, 2022. "Magnetoreception In Fruit Flies, Bees And Ants," Acta Scientifica Malaysia (ASM), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 6(1), pages 10-16, March.

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