Period gene expression in relation to seasonality and circadian rhythms in the linden bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus (Heteroptera)

This study reveals how photoperiod influences the expression of teh circadian clock gene, period (per) in the insect's head. There is only a weak diurnal rhythm in per mRNA expression under long days (LD, 18 h light/6 h dark) and short days (SD, 12 h light/12 h dark). However, levels of per mRN...

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Published inEuropean journal of entomology Vol. 100; no. 2; pp. 267 - 273
Main Authors Hodkova, M, Syrova, Z, Dolezel, D, Sauman, I. (Akademie Ved, Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic). Entomologicky Ustav)
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science 01.01.2003
Subjects
ARN MENSAJERO
ARN MESSAGER
BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS
circadian clock
DARKNESS
DIAPAUSA
DIAPAUSE
FEMALES
FEMELLE
FOTOPERIODISMO
HEMBRA
LOCOMOCIÓN
LOCOMOTION
locomotor activity rhythms
MESSENGER RNA
OBSCURIDAD
OBSCURITÉ
per mrna
photoperiod
PHOTOPERIODICITY
PHOTOPÉRIODICITÉ
PYRRHOCORIS APTERUS
RITMOS BIOLÓGICOS
RYTHME BIOLOGIQUE
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Summary:This study reveals how photoperiod influences the expression of teh circadian clock gene, period (per) in the insect's head. There is only a weak diurnal rhythm in per mRNA expression under long days (LD, 18 h light/6 h dark) and short days (SD, 12 h light/12 h dark). However, levels of per mRNA are consistently higher (up to 10-fold) under SD than under LD. The influence of photoperiod on per gene expression is linked to a developmental output (diapause vs. reproduction); mutant females, reproducing under both LD and SD, show long per mRNA levels under both photoperiodic conditions. Thus, the magnitude of per gene expression may be important to the translation of photoperiodic signals into a hormonal message. Levels of per mRNA are related to properties of locomotor activity rhythms. Low per mRNA levels are associated with long free-running periods and late peaks of activity, whereas high per mRNA levels coincide with short free running periods and early peaks of activity. Overall, the data provide a background for a molecular approach to the longstanding uestion about the role of teh circadian system in insect photoperiodism.
Bibliography:2004000014
L10
ISSN:1210-5759
1802-8829
DOI:10.14411/eje.2003.042