C. elegans wired and wireless connectome: insights into principles of nervous system structure and function

Journal of Biosciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 50(1)

Published: March 12, 2025

Language: Английский

cGMP-dependent pathway and a GPCR kinase are required for photoresponse in the nematode Pristionchus pacificus

PLoS Genetics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 20(11), P. e1011320 - e1011320

Published: Nov. 14, 2024

Light sensing is a critical function in most organisms and mediated by photoreceptor proteins phototransduction. Although nematodes lack eyes, some species exhibit phototaxis. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans , unique protein Cel -LITE-1, its downstream G proteins, cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent pathways are required for However, mechanism of light-sensing other remains unknown. To address this question, we used Pristionchus pacificus which was established as satellite model organism comparison with C . Similar to illumination short-wavelength light induces avoidance behavior P Opsin, cryptochrome/photolyase, lite-1 were not detected genome using orthology domain prediction-based analyses. identify genes related phototransduction conducted forward genetic screening light-avoidance isolated five light-unresponsive mutants. Whole-genome sequencing mapping revealed that cGMP-dependent pathway Ppa-grk-2 encodes protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) avoidance. conserved phototransduction, GRK necessary This suggests similarities differences mechanisms between two species. Using reverse approach, showed gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) glutamate involved Through reporter analysis suppression synapse transmission, identified candidate photosensory neurons. These findings advance our understanding diversity even absence eyes.

Language: Английский

Predatory aggression evolved through adaptations to noradrenergic circuits

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 2, 2024

Behaviors are adaptive traits evolving through natural selection. Crucially, the genetic, molecular, and neural modifications that shape behavioral innovations poorly understood. Here, we identify specialized adaptations linked to evolution of aggression in predatory nematode Pristionchus pacificus . Using machine learning, identified robust states associated with aggressive episodes. These depend on invertebrate noradrenergic pathway, octopamine promoting bouts, tyramine antagonistically suppressing predation. Strikingly, coincides rewiring key circuits across evolution. We find additional octopaminergic neurons morphological adaptations, including neurites extending teeth-like structures, expanded receptor expression throughout head sensory gating prey detection. Thus, evolutionary facilitated emergence complex traits.

Language: Английский