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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.10.13.758841

Distinct genetic requirements underlie LITE-1-dependent photosensation and avoidance of high concentration of diacetyl in C. elegans

Koh, A.·Chen, C.·Brown, A. E.
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Abstract

The eyeless nematode C. elegans can detect and respond to aversive blue and ultraviolet light using the gustatory receptor homolog LITE-1. In addition to its role in phototransduction, LITE-1 also functions as a chemoreceptor for the odorants diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. However, whether these different sensory modalities rely on the same downstream signalling components is unknown. In this study, we provide behavioural evidence that unlike its LITE-1-dependent photosensory function which relies on cGMP signalling components, its chemosensory function remains intact in mutants with disrupted cGMP signalling.

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Koh, A., Chen, C., Brown, A. E.. 2026-10-14. Distinct genetic requirements underlie LITE-1-dependent photosensation and avoidance of high concentration of diacetyl in C. elegans. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.13.758841

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