Abstract
AbstractCryptochromes are photolyase-related blue-light receptors acting as core components of the mammalian circadian clock in the cell nuclei. One or more members of the cryptochrome protein family are also assumed to play a role in avian magnetoreception, but the primary sensory molecule in the retina of migratory birds that mediates light-dependent magnetic compass orientation has still not been identified. The mRNA of cryptochrome 2 (Cry2) has been reported to be located in the cell nuclei of the retina, but Cry2 localisation has not yet been demonstrated at the protein level. Here, we provide evidence that Cry2 protein is located in the photoreceptor inner segments, the outer nuclear layer, the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer in the retina of night-migratory European robins, homing pigeons and domestic chickens. At the subcellular level, we find Cry2 both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of cells residing in these layers. This broad nucleic expression rather points to a role for avian Cry2 in the circadian clock and is consistent with a function as a transcription factor, analogous to mammalian Cry2, and speaks against an involvement in magnetoreception.
Funder
Volkswagen Foundation
Niedersächsische Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
European Research Council
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Behavioral Neuroscience,Animal Science and Zoology,Physiology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
15 articles.
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