Work

Distinct genetic requirements underlie LITE-1-dependent photosensation and avoidance of high concentration of diacetyl in C. elegans

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: can detect and respond to aversive blue and ultraviolet light using the gustatory receptor homolog LITE-1. In addition to its role in phototransduction, LITE-1 also functions as a chemoreceptor for the odorants diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. However, whether these different sensory modalities rely on the same downstream signalling components is unknown. In this study, we provide behavioural evidence that unlike its LITE-1-dependent photosensory function which relies on cGMP signalling components, its chemosensory function remains intact in mutants with disrupted cGMP signalling.

Source: bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

DOI: 10.64898/2026.10.13.758841

Authors: Alan Koh, Changchun Chen, André EX Brown

Institutions: MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Medical Research Council, Umeå University

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council

Awards: G2623117106, Caenorhabditis Genetics Center