Transcriptome sequencing and functional characterisation of craniate non-visual sensory systems and their adaptation to diverse light environments

光探测(光接收)对物种的生存至关重要。它不仅限于视觉，还用于设定生物节奏。在哺乳动物中，所有的光接收都被认为只通过眼睛发生，但在非哺乳动物中，许多其他组织直接监测光线水平。然而，这些非视觉通路的信号级联和功能作用在很大程度上是未知的。该项目将使用高通量测序技术和功能分析来追踪每个主要颅类中不同辐照度检测系统的来源和功能。通过比较来自不同光生境的物种，将研究光作为适应底物的影响。

Light detection (photoreception) is critical to species survival. It is not limited to vision, but also serves to set biological rhythms. In mammals, all photoreception is thought to occur solely through the eye, but in non-mammals many other tissues directly monitor light levels. However, the signalling cascades and functional roles of these non-visual pathways are largely unknown. This project will use high-throughput sequencing technologies and functional analyses to trace the origin and function of different irradiance detection systems in each main craniate class. By comparing species from diverse photic habitats, the influence of light as a substrate for adaptation will be investigated.