Cryptochromes integrate green light signals into the circadian system

Battle, M. W. and Jones, M. A. (2020) Cryptochromes integrate green light signals into the circadian system. Plant, Cell and Environment, 43(1), pp. 16-27. (doi: 10.1111/pce.13643) (PMID:31410859) (PMCID:PMC6973147)

Abstract

Plants are acutely sensitive of their light environment, adapting their growth habit and prioritizing developmental decisions to maximize fecundity. In addition to providing an energy source and directional information, light quality also contributes to entrainment of the circadian system, an endogenous timing mechanism that integrates endogenous and environmental signaling cues to promote growth. While plants’ perception of red and blue portions of the spectrum are well defined, green light sensitivity remains enigmatic. In this study we show that low fluence rates of green light are sufficient to entrain and maintain circadian rhythms in Arabidopsis, and that cryptochromes contribute to this response. Importantly, green light responses are distinguishable from low blue light‐induced phenotypes. These data suggest a distinct signaling mechanism enables entrainment of the circadian system in green light‐enriched environments, such as those found in undergrowth and in densely planted monoculture.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the BBSRC (grant # BB/S005404/1).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jones, Dr Matt
• Authors: Battle, M. W., and Jones, M. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: Plant, Cell and Environment
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0140-7791
• ISSN (Online): 1365-3040
• Published Online: 13 August 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 John Wiley and Sons Ltd
• First Published: First published in Plant, Cell and Environment 43(1):16-27
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy