bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Dec. 17, 2024
Abstract
Neural
network
architecture
determines
its
functional
output.
However,
the
detailed
mechanisms
are
not
well
characterized.
In
this
study,
we
focused
on
neural
architectures
of
male
and
hermaphrodite
C.
elegans
association
with
sexually
dimorphic
behaviors.
We
applied
graph
theory
computational
neuroscience
methods
to
systematically
discern
features
these
two
networks.
Our
findings
revealed
that
a
small
percentage
sexual-specific
neurons
exerted
dominance
throughout
entire
net-work,
suggesting
male’s
prioritized
sexual-related
behavior
outputs.
Based
structural
dynamical
characteristics
complete
networks,
sub-networks
containing
sex-specific
their
immediate
neighbors,
or
exclusively
comprising
sex-shared
neurons,
predicted
behavioral
outcomes
for
males
hermaphrodites.
To
verify
prediction,
performed
calcium
imaging
experiments
dissected
circuit
is
specific
increased
spontaneous
local
search
in
mate-searching.
research
sheds
light
circuits
underlie
behaviors
elegans,
provides
significant
insights
into
inter-connected
relationship
between
at
whole-brain
level.
Genetics,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Sept. 30, 2024
Abstract
Neuropeptides
are
abundant
signaling
molecules
that
control
neuronal
activity
and
behavior
in
all
animals.
Owing
part
to
its
well-defined
compact
nervous
system,
Caenorhabditis
elegans
has
been
one
of
the
primary
model
organisms
used
investigate
how
neuropeptide
networks
organized
these
neurochemicals
regulate
behavior.
We
here
review
recent
work
expanded
our
understanding
neuropeptidergic
network
C.
by
mapping
evolutionary
conservation,
molecular
expression,
receptor–ligand
interactions,
system-wide
organization
pathways
system.
also
describe
general
insights
into
circuit
motifs
spatiotemporal
range
peptidergic
transmission
have
emerged
from
vivo
studies
on
signaling.
With
efforts
ongoing
chart
peptide
other
organisms,
connectome
can
serve
as
a
prototype
further
understand
dynamics
at
organismal
level.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
86, P. 102868 - 102868
Published: April 3, 2024
The
selection
and
execution
of
context-appropriate
behaviors
is
controlled
by
the
integrated
action
neural
circuits
throughout
brain.
However,
how
activity
coordinated
across
brain
regions,
nervous
system
structure
enables
these
functional
interactions,
remain
open
questions.
Recent
technical
advances
have
made
it
feasible
to
build
brain-wide
maps
function,
such
as
maps,
connectomes,
cell
atlases.
Here,
we
review
recent
progress
in
this
area,
focusing
on
C.
elegans
D.
melanogaster,
work
has
produced
global
systems.
We
also
describe
circuit
motifs
elucidated
studies
specific
networks,
which
highlight
complexities
that
must
be
captured
accurate
models
whole-brain
function.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
91, P. 102984 - 102984
Published: Feb. 21, 2025
Animal
behavior
varies
across
different
timescales.
This
includes
rapid
shifts
in
as
animals
transition
between
states
and
long-term
changes
that
develop
throughout
an
organism's
life.
review
presents
the
contributions
of
sex
differences,
individuality,
internal
to
behavioral
variability
roundworm
Caenorhabditis
elegans.
Sex
is
determined
by
chromosome
composition,
which
directs
neuronal
development
through
gene
regulation
experience
shape
dimorphic
behaviors.
Genetically
identical
individuals
within
same
reared
conditions
still
display
distinctive,
long-lasting
traits
are
controlled
neuromodulatory
systems.
At
all
life
stages,
individual,
shaped
external
factors
like
food
stress,
modulate
over
minutes
hours.
The
interplay
these
gives
rise
rich
diversity
C.
These
impact
a
sequential
manner,
genetic
sex,
influence
progressively
finer
Neural
network
architecture
determines
its
functional
output.
However,
the
detailed
mechanisms
are
not
well
characterized.
In
this
study,
we
focused
on
neural
architectures
of
male
and
hermaphrodite
C.
elegans
association
with
sexually
dimorphic
behaviors.
We
applied
graph
theory
computational
neuroscience
methods
to
systematically
discern
features
these
two
networks.
Our
findings
revealed
that
a
small
percentage
sexual-specific
neurons
exerted
dominance
throughout
entire
net-work,
suggesting
male’s
prioritized
sexual-related
behavior
outputs.
Based
structural
dynamical
characteristics
complete
networks,
sub-networks
containing
sex-specific
their
immediate
neighbors,
or
exclusively
comprising
sex-shared
neurons,
predicted
behavioral
outcomes
for
males
hermaphrodites.
To
verify
prediction,
performed
calcium
imaging
experiments
dissected
circuit
is
specific
increased
spontaneous
local
search
in
mate-searching.
research
sheds
light
circuits
underlie
behaviors
elegans,
provides
significant
insights
into
inter-connected
relationship
between
at
whole-brain
level.
Neural
network
architecture
determines
its
functional
output.
However,
the
detailed
mechanisms
are
not
well
characterized.
In
this
study,
we
focused
on
neural
architectures
of
male
and
hermaphrodite
C.
elegans
association
with
sexually
dimorphic
behaviors.
We
applied
graph
theory
computational
neuroscience
methods
to
systematically
discern
features
these
two
networks.
Our
findings
revealed
that
a
small
percentage
sexual-specific
neurons
exerted
dominance
throughout
entire
net-work,
suggesting
male’s
prioritized
sexual-related
behavior
outputs.
Based
structural
dynamical
characteristics
complete
networks,
sub-networks
containing
sex-specific
their
immediate
neighbors,
or
exclusively
comprising
sex-shared
neurons,
predicted
behavioral
outcomes
for
males
hermaphrodites.
To
verify
prediction,
performed
calcium
imaging
experiments
dissected
circuit
is
specific
increased
spontaneous
local
search
in
mate-searching.
research
sheds
light
circuits
underlie
behaviors
elegans,
provides
significant
insights
into
inter-connected
relationship
between
at
whole-brain
level.
Science Advances,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
11(16)
Published: April 16, 2025
Like
many
organisms,
the
roundworm
Caenorhabditis
elegans
incorporates
an
assessment
of
environmental
quality
into
its
reproductive
strategy.
C.
hermaphrodites
release
fertilized
eggs
food-rich
environments
but
retain
them
in
absence
food.
Here,
we
report
discovery
a
neural
circuit
required
for
modulation
behavior
by
food
sensing.
A
mutation
that
electrically
silences
AVK
interneurons
uncouples
egg
laying
from
detection
cues.
We
find
activity
inhibits
laying,
and
AVKs
themselves
are
inhibited
dopamine
released
food-sensing
neurons.
express
large
number
structurally
functionally
diverse
neuropeptides.
Coordination
requires
subset
neuropeptides
converge
on
small
ensemble
premotor
neurons
coexpress
their
cognate
receptors.
Modulation
behavior,
therefore,
cascade
neuromodulatory
signals
uses
disinhibition
combinatorial
neuropeptide
to
activate
when
is
sensed.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 18, 2025
ABSTRACT
The
detection
of
internal
chemicals
by
interoceptive
chemosensory
pathways
is
critical
for
regulating
metabolism
and
physiology.
molecular
identities
interoceptors,
the
functional
consequences
chemosensation
specific
neurons
remain
to
be
fully
described.
C.
elegans
pharyngeal
neuronal
network
anatomically
functionally
homologous
mammalian
enteric
nervous
system.
Here,
we
show
that
I3
neuron
responds
cations
via
an
I3-specific
variant
ionotropic
receptor
(IR)
regulate
salt
stress
tolerance.
GLR-9
IR,
located
at
gut
lumen-exposed
sensory
end
I3,
necessary
sufficient
sensation,
establishing
a
function
IRs
beyond
insects.
Salt
protects
specifically
against
high
stress,
as
glr-9
mutants
reduced
tolerance
hypertonic
but
not
sugar
solutions,
with
or
without
prior
acclimation.
While
cholinergic
signaling
from
promotes
acute
peptidergic
during
acclimation
essential
resistance
subsequent
challenge.
Transcriptomic
analyses
regulates
in
part
expression
osmotic
response
genes
distal
tissues.
Our
results
describe
mechanisms
which
mediated
defined
physiological
homeostasis
abiotic
stress.
