CRY1 (Cryptochrome-1 gene)

The cryptochrome-1 gene (CRY1) appears to be a very important factor for good flight performance in pigeons. In other birds, it was already clear that the sense of the earth's magnetic field, which helps with orientation, is linked to certain proteins in the eye. In pigeons too, there is now some evidence suggesting that cryptochromes also play a role in sensing the Earth's magnetic field, which helps them navigate while flying. These specific proteins, called cryptochromes, act as a kind of magnetic sensor. They are also involved in regulating circadian rhythms (the internal "clock") for distinguishing day and night and perceiving UV light. CRY1 is a dinucleotide polymorphism at the level of an intron, in which 2 nucleotides differ simultaneously when mutated. Such a change in an intron can affect how often the gene is used to make the protein. This is called gene expression.

Within the CRY1 gene of pigeons, 2 variants or alleles, AG and TT, were initially identified and studied. This showed that pigeons with the CRY1^AG/TT genotype achieved significantly better results. Later, however, a 3rd variant or allele (AT) was discovered through thorough research within NeorniLab. More research is needed to fully understand this AT variant.