Cited by 421Electromagnetic Fields and Biological EffectsGeomagnetism and Paleomagnetism StudiesCircadian rhythm and melatonin

Cryptochrome mediates light-dependent magnetosensitivity in Drosophila

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Gegear, Robert J., Casselman, Amy, Waddell, Scott, Reppert, Steven M.·2008·Nature

Abstract

Although many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation, the precise biophysical mechanisms underlying magnetic sensing have been elusive. One theoretical model proposes that geomagnetic fields are perceived by chemical reactions involving specialized photoreceptors. 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 ( approximately 300-700 nm) but do not respond to the field when wavelengths in the Cry-sensitive, ultraviolet-A/blue-light part of the spectrum (<420 nm) are blocked. Notably, Cry-deficient cry(0) and cry(b) flies do not show either naive or trained responses to a magnetic field under full-spectrum light. Moreover, Cry-dependent magnetosensitivity does not require a functioning circadian clock. Our work provides, to our knowledge, the first genetic evidence for a Cry-based magnetosensitive system in any animal.

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  • That cryptochromes might mediate magnetic responses in animals has been documented for the case of fruit flies.

    “That cryptochromes might mediate magnetic responses in animals has also been documented for the case of fruit flies [101,102].”

    From The future of quantum biology (2018) · cites this paper as [101]

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Authors
Gegear, R. J., Casselman, A., Waddell, S., & Reppert, S. M.
Affiliations
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (US)
Corresponding author
Reppert, Steven M.
Venue
Nature
Published
2008-07-20
Volume
454
Issue
7207
Pages
1014-1018
ISSN
  • 0028-0836 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-4687
OpenAlex
W2086367365
Cited by
421
References
31
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 29 · 2021: 26 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 34 · 2016: 32 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 19
FWCI
14.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • eScholarship@UMassChan (submittedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH069883)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01NS047141)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biophysics › Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
Keywords
cryptochrome, magnetoreception, geomagnetic sensing, Drosophila melanogaster, circadian clock
MeSH terms
Animals, Behavior, Animal, Circadian Rhythm, Drosophila melanogaster, Flavoproteins, Light, Magnetics, Mutation, Sensation, Cryptochromes

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