A role of cryptochrome for magnetic field-dependent improvement of sleep quality, lifespan and motor function in Drosophila

Abstract

Understanding the molecular genetic basis of animal magnet reception has been one of the big challenges in biology. Recently it was discovered that the magnetic sense of Drosophila melanogaster is mediated by the ultraviolet (UV)-A/blue light photoreceptor cryptochrome (Cry). Here, using the fruit fly as a magnet receptive model organism, we show that exposure to a specific AC magnetic field during night time affected the health of the fly. AC magnetic field exposure showed lifespan extension under starvation, sleep improvement and prevention of decreased motor function. In contrast, all the health improvement effect was not observed in cryptochrome mutant flies (cryb). We showed that AC magnetic field exposure prevented motor dysfunction in Gauchers disease model Drosophila. The data suggests that magnetic field-dependent improvement of sleep quality, lifespan and motor function is mediated through a cry-dependent pathway in animals.