Genomic and gene regulatory signatures of cryptozoic adaptation: Loss of blue sensitive photoreceptors through expansion of long wavelength-opsin expression in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
2007
How the Red Flour Beetle Adapted Its Vision
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Magdalena Jackowska, Riyue Bao, Zhenyi Liu, Elizabeth C. McDonald, Tiffany A. Cook, Markus Friedrich
Primary Institution: Wayne State University
Hypothesis
Does the spatial regulation of opsin genes in Tribolium castaneum indicate a loss of blue opsin?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the red flour beetle has lost blue-sensitive photoreceptors and expanded the expression of long wavelength opsins.
Supporting Evidence
- The red flour beetle has only two opsin genes, indicating a loss of blue opsin.
- The study found that all R7 cells in the beetle co-express UV and LW opsins.
- This research highlights the unique retinal structure of the red flour beetle compared to other insects.
Takeaway
The red flour beetle doesn't see blue light anymore and has changed how it uses other colors to see better in the dark.
Methodology
The study used in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to analyze opsin gene expression in the beetle's retina.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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