Magnetic sensitivity of cryptochrome 4 from a migratory songbird

Authors: Xu J, Jarocha LE, Zollitsch T, Konowalczyk M, Henbest KB, Richert S, Golesworthy MJ, Schmidt J, Déjean V, Sowood DJC, Bassetto M, Luo J, Walton JR, Fleming J, Wei Y, Pitcher TL, Moise G, Herrmann M, Yin H, Wu H, Bartölke R, Käsehagen SJ, Horst S, Dautaj G, Murton PDF, Gehrckens AS, Chelliah Y, Takahashi JS, Koch KW, Weber S, Solov'yov IA, Xie C, Mackenzie SR, Timmel CR, Mouritsen H, Hore PJ

Year: 2021

Category: Biophysics

Journal: Nature

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03618-9

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34163056/

Abstract

Overview

Night-migratory songbirds are exceptional navigators that utilize a variety of directional cues including a light-dependent magnetic compass.

Findings

The study focused on cryptochrome 4 (CRY4) found in the European robin, a night-migratory bird. CRY4 has shown enhanced magnetic sensitivity in vitro compared to its counterparts in non-migratory species such as chickens and pigeons. The mechanism involves quantum spin dynamics of photo-induced radical pairs located within the bird's retinas.

  • Cryptochrome's role is pivotal in stabilizing signal states that facilitate navigation.
  • Site-specific mutations in ErCRY4 highlighted the importance of successive flavin-tryptophan radical pairs.
  • These findings suggest potential for independent optimization of sensing and signaling functions in migratory birds.

Conclusion

This research enhances our understanding of the biophysical mechanisms that allow night-migratory songbirds to navigate so proficiently using earth's magnetic field.

magnetic sensitivity cryptochrome navigational cues songbirds quantum spin dynamics radical pairs signal optimization
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