We are studying optical signal sensor systems that control biological reactions from both phenomena and substances. In particular, we recently discovered photoactivated adenylyl cyclase of a new type of blue-light receptor flavoprotein with three roles. (Iseki et al. 2002 Nature 415, 1047-1051)
■Paper
Iseki M, Matsunaga S, Murakami A, Ohno K, Shiga K, Yoshida K, Sugai M, Takahashi T, Hori T and Watanabe M. (2002)
A blue-light-activated adenylyl cyclase mediates photoavoidance in Euglena gracilis.
Nature 415, 1047-1051.