Characterization of cephalic and non-cephalic sensory cell types provides insight into joint photo- and mechanoreceptor evolution

Rhabdomeric Opsins (r-Opsins) are light-sensors in cephalic eye photoreceptors, but also function in additional sensory organs. This has prompted questions on the evolutionary relationship of these cell types, and if ancient r-Opsins cells were non-photosensory. Our profiling of cephalic and non-cephalic r-opsin1-expressing cells of the marine bristlewormPlatynereis dumeriliireveals shared and distinct features. Non-cephalic cells possess a full set of phototransduction components, but also a mechanosensory signature. We determine that Pdu-r-Opsin1 is a Gαq-coupled blue-light receptor. Profiling of cells fromr-opsin1mutants versus wild-types, and a comparison under different light conditions reveals that in the non-cephalic cells, light – mediated by r-Opsin1 – adjusts the expression level of a calcium transporter relevant for auditory mechanosensation in vertebrates. We establish a deep learning-based quantitative behavioral analysis for animal trunk movements, and identify a light-and r-Opsin-1-dependent fine-tuning of the worm’s undulatory movements in headless trunks, which are known to require mechanosensory feedback.

Our results suggest an evolutionary concept in which r-Opsins act as ancient, light-dependent modulators of mechanosensation, and suggest that light-independent mechanosensory roles of r-Opsins likely evolved secondarily.