Abstract
Since the discovery of melanopsin as a retinal non-visual photopigment, opsins have been described in several organs and cells. This distribution is strikingly different from the classical localization of photopigments in light-exposed tissues such as the eyes and the skin. More than 10 years ago, a new paradigm in the field was created as opsins were shown, to detect not only light, but also thermal energy in Drosophila. In agreement with these findings, thermal detection by opsins was also reported in mammalian cells. Considering the presence of opsins in tissues not reached by light, an intriguing question has emerged: What is the role of a classical light-sensor, and more recently appreciated thermo-sensor, in these tissues? To tackle this question, we address in this review the most recent studies in the field, with emphasis in mammals. We provide the present view about the role of opsins in peripheral tissues, aiming to integrate the current knowledge of the presence and function of opsins in organs that are not directly affected by light.
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Funding
This work was supported by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, grants 2017/24615–5 and 2018/14728–0 to Castrucci AML and 2017/26651–9 to Moraes MN) and by the National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq grants 303070/2015–3 to Castrucci AML and 428754/2018–0 to Moraes MN). Moraes MN is a Young Investigator of FAPESP (2019/19005–9). de Assis LVM was a fellow of FAPESP (2018/16511–8).
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Moraes MN and de Assis LVM conceptualized the article. Moraes MN, de Assis LVM, Provencio I, and Castrucci AML wrote together the manuscript. Provencio I and Castrucci AML critically revised the manuscript. All authors have approved the definitive version of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the study in ensuring its accuracy and integrity.
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Moraes, M.N., de Assis, L.V.M., Provencio, I. et al. Opsins outside the eye and the skin: a more complex scenario than originally thought for a classical light sensor. Cell Tissue Res 385, 519–538 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-021-03500-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-021-03500-0