A mammalian type opsin 5 (neuropsin) is a recently identified ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive pigment of the retina and other photosensitive organs in birds. Two other opsin 5-related molecules have been found in the genomes of non-mammalian vertebrates. However, their functions have not been examined as yet. Here, we identify the molecular properties of a second avian opsin 5, cOpn5L2 (chicken opsin 5-like 2), and its localization in the post-hatch chicken. Spectrophotometric analysis and radionucleotide-binding assay have revealed that cOpn5L2 is a UV-sensitive bistable pigment that couples with the Gi subtype of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein). As a bistable pigment, it also shows the direct binding ability to agonist all-trans-retinal to activate G protein. The absorption maxima of UV-light-absorbing and visible light-absorbing forms were 350 and 521 nm, respectively. Expression analysis showed relatively high expression of cOpn5L2 mRNA in the adrenal gland, which is not photoreceptive but an endocrine organ, while lower expression was found in the brain and retina. At the protein level, cOpn5L2 immunoreactive cells were present in the chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland. In the brain, cOpn5L2 immunoreactive cells were found in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the anterior hypothalamus, known for photoreceptive deep brain areas. In the retina, cOpn5L2 protein was localized to subsets of cells in the ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer. These results suggest that the non-mammalian type opsin 5 (Opn5L2) functions as a second UV sensor in the photoreceptive organs, while it might function as chemosensor using its direct binding ability to agonist all-trans-retinal in non-photoreceptive organs such as the adrenal gland of birds.

Rapid adaptation and speciation have not been well documented for organisms in Lake Biwa, Japan, the oldest ancient lake in East Asia. To examine these processes, we focused on the divergence of Sarcocheilichthys gudgeons and conducted phylogeographic and population genetic analyses using mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite data. No remarkable genetic differentiation was found between two species, S. biwaensis and S. variegatus microoculus, both endemic to Lake Biwa, whereas this species group, including S. v. variegatus, was genetically divided into three major regional groups: the Lake Biwa, Ise Bay, and western groups. Divergent mtDNA haplotypes were included within the Lake Biwa and western groups, strongly suggesting secondary contacts among allopatrically isolated populations. Dating for mtDNA phylogeny using a geological constraint suggested the colonization of Lake Biwa by multiple Sarcocheilichthys lineages that diverged from each other in the early-middle Pleistocene. Coalescent-based population analyses indicated that the local populations colonized the rocky bottom habitat in Lake Biwa from other habitats after the Last Glacial Maximum, likely reflecting past environmental changes in the lake, including the disappearance of rocky areas during the glacial climate. Divergent morphological adaptation in Sarcocheilichthys associated with substrate type may have rapidly proceeded along with environmental changes. Keywords Ancient lake • Central Japan • Gobioninae • Historical demography • Phylogeography • Trophic polymorphism (73%) haplotype (Fig. 2). A subclade of clade A, consisting of A15 and A16, and a tip haplotype, A18, were detected exclusively from the Chugoku region. Clade B haplotypes were obtained from the Lake Biwa, Kinki, and Chugoku regions, but showed some regional distribution patterns. The most interior haplotype of clade C (C03) was exclusively found in Kyushu, but the tip haplotypes were shared by specimens from the Lake Biwa, Kinki, and Chugoku regions. Clade D was endemic to the Yura River system (Kinki), and clade E was the earliest divergent group and was endemic to the Ise Bay area (Figs. 2, 3). Node tMRCA*(mean*±*SE) 95%*HPD

DR measurements ofCH]COONa at diffeTent temperatures (5, 1O, 1S and 20 OC) were canied out, The results shewed that a decrease oftemperature gave rise te an increase ofCW. The Gibbs free energy of formation ofhydTation water and the protenation effect ofcarboKyl greup wi]1 be discussed at meeting. IF14oo trJvrawaetretafio ± mndist"venedi ATR-FTIR study of monkey green-sensitive visua] pigment Kota Katayamfi i, Yilji Furutanii2, Hiroo lmai3, Hideki Kandori i (iDepartment qf F7ontier Mdterials, Ndgaya institute of 7bchnology, 2Department of Ltfe and Cbordination-thmplex MOIecutar Science, bistitute for Moiecular Scienee, ]Primate Research histitute, 1

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