Connecting the Navigational Clock to Sun Compass Input in Monarch Butterfly Brain
In collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Reppert, in the monarch eyes we have identified photoreceptors specialized for detection of polarized light in the UV spectrum. Furthermore we have discovered and characterized a molecular neural wiring connecting circadian biological clock with the signal pathway of polarized light entering the brain of the migratory butterfly.
In their spectacular annual fall migration from North America to the overwintering sites in Mexico, monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) use the angle of plane of polarized light together with time compensated sun compass for navigation. In collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Reppert, in the monarch eyes we have identified photoreceptors specialized for detection of polarized light in the UV spectrum. Furthermore we have discovered and characterized a molecular neural wiring connecting circadian biological clock with the signal pathway of polarized light entering the brain of the migratory butterfly. Due to the constant movement of the sun during the day, information from the circadian clock is critical for maintaining the constant direction of the butterflies’ migration, often exceeding thousands of miles. The monarch butterfly represents the first organism where such unique molecular neural pathway was identified. The result of this research was reported in several international journals including the prestigious American journal The Scientist.
Sauman, I., Briscoe, A., Zhu, H., Shi, D., Froy, O., Stalleicken, J., Yuan, Q., Casselman, A. and Reppert, S.M. (2005). Connecting the navigational clock to sun compass input in monarch butterfly brain. Neuron 46, 457-467.
