Photoreceptor for short wavelength (UV) light that mediates UV-light-induced avoidance behavior (PubMed:18687026, PubMed:20436480, PubMed:27863243). Directly senses and absorbs both UV-A and UV-B light with very high efficiency (PubMed:27863243). Absorption of UV-B but not UV-A light shows resistance to photobleaching (PubMed:27863243). In contrast to other photoreceptors, does not use a prosthetic chromophore to capture photons and only depends on its protein conformation (PubMed:27863243). Might have a role in response to white light exposure (PubMed:29500338). Expressed in the AVG and PVT neurons of the tail. In contrast to other members of the family, adopts a reversed membrane topology. Worms exhibit no response to blue-violet light but respond to physical stimulation. Belongs to the insect chemoreceptor superfamily. Gustatory receptor (GR) family. Was initially thought to play a role in the gustatory response (PubMed:18687026). However, it was later shown that it acts as a photoreceptor for short wavelength (UV) light (PubMed:27863243). A taste of light - Issue 194 of August 2017