Scientists uncover the mystery of animals making orientations

Researcher Xie Chan from Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology of College of Life Sciences at Peking University and his research team found a protein complex through experiments on Drosophila genomes. This protein complex can make orientations in magnetic field and this protein gene is found in a number of animal species. The researchers named it magnetic induction protein (MagR). Related papers were published online in the journal British Nature Materials, which also publishes many other studies about recombinant proteins like recombinant mouse proteins.

In nature, many species of animals have the ability to perceive the Earth's magnetic field. They can sense direction, strength or inclination of magnetic field, and they take the navigation of such information as a clue. Although multiple biochemical models which have already existed before can explained the ability of such animals, scientists are still not clear about the biological mechanism behind it.

By using assumed biological criteria to screen Drosophila genomes, Xie Can and his research team discovered a protein like polymer - magnetic induction protein. This protein will combine with the component of photosensitive Cryptochrome protein (referred to Cry) and spontaneously align the external magnetic field. Through biochemical and biophysical method, the researchers found that Drosophila missing photosensitive Cryptochrome protein don't have the capability of magnetic induction. This indicates that the photosensitive Cryptochrome protein is a necessary condition to make Drosophila produce magnetic sensing capability, but theoretically photosensitive Cryptochrome protein can't form a "compass" role. Therefore, the researchers believe that only the combination of magnetic induction protein and photosensitive Cryptochrome protein makes the animals get awareness of magnetic field.

The researchers found that the magnetic induction protein and photosensitive Cryptochrome protein complex (MagR / Cry) stably exists in pigeons, butterflies, rats, whales and human body. The researchers said that the mechanism of this protein complex sensing magnetic field is unclear. However, discovery of such a protein complex like a compass makes magnetic induction protein have broad application prospects in the aspect of magnetic field regulating biological processes in the future. Flarebio provides you with high-quality recombinant proteins such as recombinant APP at competitive prices.