Metadata for the characterization of Platynereis dumerilii cephalic and non-cephalic sensory cell types

Rhabdomeric Opsins (r-Opsins) serve as light-sensory molecules in cephalic eye photoreceptors of many invertebrates, but also play roles in additional sensory organs. This has prompted questions on the evolutionary relationship of the cell types, specifically if ancient r-Opsins cells possessed non-photosensory functions. By extracting and profiling cephalic and non-cephalic r-opsin1-expressing cell types of the marine bristleworm Platynereis dumerilii, we find evidence for shared and distinct identities between these two cell types. We establish that non-cephalic cells possess a mechanosensory signature, but also a full set of phototransduction components. Using cell-culture-based second messenger assays, we determine that Platynereis r-Opsin1 is a Gαq-coupled blue-light receptor. Profiling of cells in r-opsin1 mutant animals, and comparing cells under dim and bright light conditions reveals that in the non-cephalic cell type, light – mediated by r-Opsin1 – adjusts the expression level...