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Description
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram have uncovered that prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to significant genetic changes in budding yeast. This discovery could pave the way for innovative, non-toxic antifungal treatments, especially as traditional antifungal drugs face increasing resistance.
Understanding Blue Light And Its Biological Impact
Blue light, a component of the visible spectrum, is commonly emitted by digital screens and LED lighting. While its effects on human vision and circadian rhythms are well-documented, this new study reveals that long-term exposure to blue light can cause oxidative stress in yeast cells. This stress damages DNA and surpasses the cells’ ability to repair themselves effectively, leading to genetic alterations.
Loss Of Heterozygosity (LOH): A Key Finding
A significant outcome of the study was the observation of "Loss of Heterozygosity" (LOH) in yeast DNA. LOH occurs when genetic variation is lost in specific regions of the genome, potentially exposing harmful mutations. The researchers found that blue light exposure induced extensive LOH, highlighting that even non-ionising radiation like visible light can influence genetic material over time.
Experimental Approach And Conditions
The IISER team cultivated yeast across roughly 1,000 generations under varying stress conditions, such as elevated temperatures, oxidative environments, low sugar availability, and blue light exposure. Each condition led to different mutation patterns, with blue light causing the most severe genetic disruptions. Whole-genome sequencing was employed to track the resulting changes.
Potential Antifungal Applications
These findings suggest that blue light might offer a new strategy to tackle fungal infections, especially those on the skin that no longer respond to standard treatments. While its application for internal infections remains uncertain, researchers believe blue light could be used to disinfect surfaces or prevent fungal contamination in food.
Next Steps In Research
The study opens new avenues for exploring the genetic impact of light exposure in more complex organisms. Future research aims to determine whether similar DNA alterations occur in animals or humans under chronic light exposure, which could deepen our understanding of how environmental factors contribute to mutation rates and genetic variability.
Genetic Mutations In An Environmental Context
Mutations, including LOH, are essential for evolutionary processes, but understanding how they are influenced by environmental conditions is critical. This research adds to the expanding field examining the links between environmental stressors—like light and heat—and long-term genetic stability.
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