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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.01.27.634647

Non-Visual Light Sensing Enhances Behavioral Memory and Drives Gene Expression in C. elegans

Ji, Z.·Wang, B.·Liu, J.·Chandra, R. K.·Yang, W.·Long, Y.·Egan, M.·L'Etoile, N.·Ma, D. K.
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Abstract

Visible light influences a range of physiological processes, yet how animals respond to it independently of the visual system remains largely unknown. Here, we uncover a previously undescribed light-induced transcriptional pathway that modulates behavioral plasticity in C. elegans, a roundworm without eyes. We demonstrate that ambient visible light or controlled-intensity visible-spectrum LED activates an effector gene cyp-14A5 in non-neuronal tissues through the bZIP transcription factors ZIP-2 and CEBP-2. Light induction of cyp-14A5 is more prominent at shorter wavelengths but is independent of the known blue light receptors LITE-1 and GUR-3 in C. elegans. This bZIP-dependent genetic pathway in non-neuronal tissues enhances behavioral adaptability and olfactory memory, suggesting a body-brain communication axis. Furthermore, we use the light-responsive cyp-14A5 promoter to drive ectopic gene expression, causing synthetic light-induced sleep and rapid aging phenotypes in C. elegans. These findings advance our understanding of light-responsive mechanisms outside the visual system and offer a new genetic tool for visible light-inducible gene expression in non-neuronal tissues.

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Ji, Z., Wang, B., Liu, J., Chandra, R. K., Yang, W., Long, Y., Egan, M., L'Etoile, N., Ma, D. K.. 2025-01-28. Non-Visual Light Sensing Enhances Behavioral Memory and Drives Gene Expression in C. elegans. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.27.634647

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