Circadian rhythms in Mexican blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus in the lab and in the field

Andrew Beale, Christophe Guibal, T. Katherine Tamai, Linda Klotz, Sophie Cowen, Elodie Peyric, Víctor H. Reynoso, Yoshiyuki Yamamoto and David Whitmore ()
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Andrew Beale: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
Christophe Guibal: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
T. Katherine Tamai: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
Linda Klotz: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
Sophie Cowen: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
Elodie Peyric: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street
Víctor H. Reynoso: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Biología, Ciudad Universitaria
Yoshiyuki Yamamoto: University College London, Gower Street
David Whitmore: Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Biological clocks have evolved as an adaptation to life on a rhythmic planet, synchronising physiological processes to the environmental light–dark cycle. Here we examine circadian clock function in Mexican blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus and its surface counterpart. In the lab, adult surface fish show robust circadian rhythms in per1, which are retained in cave populations, but with substantial alterations. These changes may be due to increased levels of light-inducible genes in cavefish, including clock repressor per2. From a molecular standpoint, cavefish appear as if they experience ‘constant light’ rather than perpetual darkness. Micos River samples show similar per1 oscillations to those in the lab. However, data from Chica Cave shows complete repression of clock function, while expression of several light-responsive genes is raised, including DNA repair genes. We propose that altered expression of light-inducible genes provides a selective advantage to cavefish at the expense of a damped circadian oscillator.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3769

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