Human cryptochrome exhibits light-dependent magnetosensitivity

Lauren E. Foley, Robert J. Gegear and Steven M. Reppert ()
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Lauren E. Foley: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Robert J. Gegear: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Steven M. Reppert: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Nature Communications, 2011, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-3

Abstract: Abstract Humans are not believed to have a magnetic sense, even though many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation. One model of magnetosensing in animals proposes that geomagnetic fields are perceived by light-sensitive chemical reactions involving the flavoprotein cryptochrome (CRY). Here we show using a transgenic approach that human CRY2, which is heavily expressed in the retina, can function as a magnetosensor in the magnetoreception system of Drosophila and that it does so in a light-dependent manner. The results show that human CRY2 has the molecular capability to function as a light-sensitive magnetosensor and reopen an area of sensory biology that is ready for further exploration in humans.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1364

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