Photoswitches in the near infrared

What is it about?

Blue green alga (cyanobacteria) living in dense mats or in the shade of green plants need to sense near infrared light since most of visible light for photosynthesis is absorbed by competing species in these environments. Some of these species have evolved near infrared absorbing light switches that sense near infrared light signaling them to move to a more optimal light environment for photosynthesis. This paper describes the structure of one representative of this newly discovered family of sensor that can use pigments found in animals. Its structure tells us how these sensors can discriminate between more abundant visible light-absorbing pigments and these longer wavelength-absorbing pigments.

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Why is it important?

This information can be used to help 'tune' the color of light absorbed by related sensors found in many different species, including plants, fungi and many beneficial bacteria, and also inform design of sensors and imaging agents that can be used for non-invasive imaging applications or for light control of therapeutic agents within specific tissues deep in the body.