bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Dec. 25, 2023
ABSTRACT
Mapping
neurotransmitter
identities
to
neurons
is
key
understanding
information
flow
in
a
nervous
system.
It
also
provides
valuable
entry
points
for
studying
the
development
and
plasticity
of
neuronal
identity
features.
In
C.
elegans
system,
have
been
largely
assigned
by
expression
pattern
analysis
pathway
genes
that
encode
biosynthetic
enzymes
or
transporters.
However,
many
these
assignments
relied
on
multicopy
reporter
transgenes
may
lack
relevant
cis
-regulatory
therefore
not
provide
an
accurate
picture
usage.
We
analyzed
patterns
16
CRISPR/Cas9-engineered
knock-in
strains
all
main
types
neurotransmitters
(glutamate,
acetylcholine,
GABA,
serotonin,
dopamine,
tyramine,
octopamine)
both
hermaphrodite
male.
Our
reveals
novel
sites
systems
within
glia,
as
well
non-neural
cells.
The
resulting
atlas
defines
be
exclusively
neuropeptidergic,
substantially
expands
repertoire
capable
co-transmitting
multiple
neurotransmitters,
identifies
uptake
monoaminergic
neurotransmitters.
Furthermore,
we
observed
unusual
co-expression
synthesis
genes,
suggesting
existence
transmitters.
results
what
constitutes
most
extensive
whole-animal-wide
map
usage
date,
paving
way
better
communication
specification
.
Neuron,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
111(22), P. 3570 - 3589.e5
Published: Nov. 1, 2023
Efforts
are
ongoing
to
map
synaptic
wiring
diagrams,
or
connectomes,
understand
the
neural
basis
of
brain
function.
However,
chemical
synapses
represent
only
one
type
functionally
important
neuronal
connection;
in
particular,
extrasynaptic,
"wireless"
signaling
by
neuropeptides
is
widespread
and
plays
essential
roles
all
nervous
systems.
By
integrating
single-cell
anatomical
gene-expression
datasets
with
biochemical
analysis
receptor-ligand
interactions,
we
have
generated
a
draft
connectome
neuropeptide
C.
elegans
system.
This
network
characterized
high
connection
density,
extended
cascades,
autocrine
foci,
decentralized
topology,
large,
highly
interconnected
core
containing
three
constituent
communities
sharing
similar
patterns
input
connectivity.
Intriguingly,
several
key
hubs
little-studied
neurons
that
appear
specialized
for
peptidergic
neuromodulation.
We
anticipate
neuropeptidergic
will
serve
as
prototype
how
networks
neuromodulatory
organized.
PLoS Genetics,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
18(9), P. e1010372 - e1010372
Published: Sept. 30, 2022
Homeobox
genes
are
prominent
regulators
of
neuronal
identity,
but
the
extent
to
which
their
function
has
been
probed
in
animal
nervous
systems
remains
limited.
In
nematode
Caenorhabditis
elegans,
each
individual
neuron
class
is
defined
by
expression
unique
combinations
homeobox
genes,
prompting
question
whether
indeed
requires
a
gene
for
its
proper
identity
specification.
We
present
here
progress
addressing
this
extending
previous
mutant
analysis
family
members
and
describing
multiple
examples
different
parts
C.
elegans
system.
To
probe
function,
we
make
use
number
reporter
tools,
including
novel
multicolor
transgene,
NeuroPAL,
permits
simultaneous
monitoring
execution
differentiation
programs
throughout
entire
Using
these
add
characterization
identifying
defects
14
24
distinct
classes
that
mostly
unrelated
location,
lineage
history.
12
had
no
ascribed
them
before,
while
other
classes,
extend
combinatorial
code
transcription
factors
required
specifying
terminal
programs.
Furthermore,
demonstrate
particular
lineage,
homeotic
transformations
occur
upon
loss
show
result
changes
codes.
Combining
with
past
analyses,
113
118
now
known
require
Such
broad
deployment
indicates
specification
may
be
an
ancestral
feature
systems.
Current Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
33(11), P. 2315 - 2320.e2
Published: May 26, 2023
Axons
must
project
to
particular
brain
regions,
contact
adjacent
neurons,
and
choose
appropriate
synaptic
targets
form
a
nervous
system.
Multiple
mechanisms
have
been
proposed
explain
partnership
choice.
In
"lock-and-key"
mechanism,
first
by
Sperry's
chemoaffinity
model,1
neuron
selectively
chooses
partner
among
several
different,
target
cells,
based
on
specific
molecular
recognition
code.2
Alternatively,
Peters'
rule
posits
that
neurons
indiscriminately
connections
with
other
types
in
their
proximity;
hence,
neighborhood
choice,
determined
initial
neuronal
process
outgrowth
position,
is
the
main
predictor
of
connectivity.3,4
However,
whether
plays
an
important
role
wiring
remains
unresolved.5
To
assess
nanoscale
relationship
between
adjacency
connectivity,
we
evaluate
expansive
set
C.
elegans
connectomes.
We
find
specificity
can
be
accurately
modeled
as
mediated
neurite
threshold
strata,
offering
strong
support
for
organizational
principle
wiring.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
12
Published: March 18, 2024
In
electroreceptive
jawed
vertebrates,
embryonic
lateral
line
placodes
give
rise
to
electrosensory
ampullary
organs
as
well
mechanosensory
neuromasts.
Previous
reports
of
shared
gene
expression
suggest
that
conserved
mechanisms
underlie
electroreceptor
and
hair
cell
development
electroreceptors
evolved
a
transcriptionally
related
“sister
type”
cells.
We
previously
identified
only
one
transcription
factor
gene,
Neurod4
,
organ-restricted
in
the
developing
system
chondrostean
ray-finned
fish,
Mississippi
paddlefish
(
Polyodon
spathula
).
The
other
16
genes
we
validated
were
expressed
both
Here,
used
our
published
organ-enriched
gene-set
(arising
from
differential
bulk
RNA-seq
late-larval
paddlefish),
together
with
candidate
approach,
identify
25
more
experimentally
tractable
chondrostean,
sterlet
Acipenser
ruthenus
small
sturgeon),
and/or
paddlefish.
Thirteen
are
neuromasts,
consistent
conservation
molecular
mechanisms.
Seven
electrosensory-restricted
on
head
Irx5
Irx3
Insm1
Sp5
Satb2
Mafa
Rorc
),
five
first-reported
mechanosensory-restricted
Foxg1
Sox8
Isl1
Hmx2
Rorb
However,
reported,
is
neuromasts
catshark
Scyliorhinus
canicula
suggesting
existence
lineage-specific
differences
between
cartilaginous
fishes.
Overall,
results
support
hypothesis
develop
via
largely
transcriptional
mechanisms,
multiple
factors
potentially
involved
formation
versus
organs.
Mapping
neurotransmitter
identities
to
neurons
is
key
understanding
information
flow
in
a
nervous
system.
It
also
provides
valuable
entry
points
for
studying
the
development
and
plasticity
of
neuronal
identity
features.
In
Caenorhabditis
elegans
system,
have
been
largely
assigned
by
expression
pattern
analysis
pathway
genes
that
encode
biosynthetic
enzymes
or
transporters.
However,
many
these
assignments
relied
on
multicopy
reporter
transgenes
may
lack
relevant
cis
-regulatory
therefore
not
provide
an
accurate
picture
usage.
We
analyzed
patterns
16
CRISPR/Cas9-engineered
knock-in
strains
all
main
types
neurotransmitters
C.
(glutamate,
acetylcholine,
GABA,
serotonin,
dopamine,
tyramine,
octopamine)
both
hermaphrodite
male.
Our
reveals
novel
sites
systems
within
glia,
as
well
non-neural
cells,
most
notably
gonadal
cells.
The
resulting
atlas
defines
be
exclusively
neuropeptidergic,
substantially
expands
repertoire
capable
co-transmitting
multiple
neurotransmitters,
identifies
monoaminergic
uptake.
Furthermore,
we
observed
unusual
co-expression
synthesis
genes,
suggesting
existence
transmitters.
results
what
constitutes
extensive
whole-animal-wide
map
usage
date,
paving
way
better
communication
specification
.
Mapping
neurotransmitter
identities
to
neurons
is
key
understanding
information
flow
in
a
nervous
system.
It
also
provides
valuable
entry
points
for
studying
the
development
and
plasticity
of
neuronal
identity
features.
In
Caenorhabditis
elegans
system,
have
been
largely
assigned
by
expression
pattern
analysis
pathway
genes
that
encode
biosynthetic
enzymes
or
transporters.
However,
many
these
assignments
relied
on
multicopy
reporter
transgenes
may
lack
relevant
cis
-regulatory
therefore
not
provide
an
accurate
picture
usage.
We
analyzed
patterns
16
CRISPR/Cas9-engineered
knock-in
strains
all
main
types
neurotransmitters
C.
(glutamate,
acetylcholine,
GABA,
serotonin,
dopamine,
tyramine,
octopamine)
both
hermaphrodite
male.
Our
reveals
novel
sites
systems
within
glia,
as
well
non-neural
cells,
most
notably
gonadal
cells.
The
resulting
atlas
defines
be
exclusively
neuropeptidergic,
substantially
expands
repertoire
capable
co-transmitting
multiple
neurotransmitters,
identifies
monoaminergic
uptake.
Furthermore,
we
observed
unusual
co-expression
synthesis
genes,
suggesting
existence
transmitters.
results
what
constitutes
extensive
whole-animal-wide
map
usage
date,
paving
way
better
communication
specification
.
Cell Reports,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
43(3), P. 113928 - 113928
Published: March 1, 2024
Elucidating
the
complex
relationships
between
mRNA
and
protein
expression
at
high
spatiotemporal
resolution
is
critical
for
unraveling
multilevel
gene
regulation
enhancing
mRNA-based
developmental
analyses.
In
this
study,
we
conduct
a
single-cell
analysis
of
transcription
factors
throughout
C.
elegans
embryogenesis.
Initially,
cellular
co-presence
low,
increasing
to
medium-high
level
(73%)
upon
factoring
in
delayed
synthesis
long-term
persistence.
These
substantially
affect
mRNA-protein
concordance,
leading
potential
inaccuracies
mRNA-reliant
detection
specificity
characterization.
Building
on
learned
relationship,
infer
presence
from
demonstrate
its
utility
identifying
tissue-specific
genes
elucidating
cells.
This
approach
facilitates
role
sptf-1/SP7
neuronal
lineage
development.
Collectively,
study
provides
insights
into
dynamics
during
rapid
embryogenesis
approaches
improving
efficacy
transcriptome-based
Genetics,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
228(2)
Published: Aug. 21, 2024
Abstract
Animals
rely
on
their
nervous
systems
to
process
sensory
inputs,
integrate
these
with
internal
signals,
and
produce
behavioral
outputs.
This
is
enabled
by
the
highly
specialized
morphologies
functions
of
neurons.
Neuronal
cells
share
multiple
structural
physiological
features,
but
they
also
come
in
a
large
diversity
types
or
classes
that
give
system
its
broad
range
plasticity.
diversity,
first
recognized
over
century
ago,
spurred
classification
efforts
based
morphology,
function,
molecular
criteria.
Caenorhabditis
elegans,
precisely
mapped
at
anatomical
level,
an
extensive
description
most
neurons,
genetic
amenability,
has
been
prime
model
for
understanding
how
neurons
develop
diversify
mechanistic
level.
Here,
we
review
gene
regulatory
mechanisms
driving
neurogenesis
diversification
neuron
subclasses
C.
elegans.
We
discuss
our
current
specification
neuronal
progenitors
differentiation
terms
transcription
factors
involved
ensuing
changes
expression
chromatin
landscape.
The
central
theme
emerged
identity
defined
modules
batteries
are
under
control
parallel
yet
interconnected
mechanisms.
focus
how,
achieve
terminal
identities,
information
along
developmental
lineages.
Moreover,
diversified
postembryonically
time-,
sex-,
activity-dependent
manner.
Finally,
development
can
provide
insights
into
evolution
diversity.
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.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 14, 2025
Summary
Directed
cell
migration
is
essential
for
animal
development,
tissue
maintenance,
regeneration,
and
disease
states.
Cells
often
migrate
towards,
or
away
from,
sources
of
secreted
signaling
proteins
that
impart
spatial
information.
How
migrating
cells
interpret
extracellular
signals
to
orient
navigate
within
living
animals
a
fundamental
question
in
biology.
Receptor
Tyrosine
Kinase
(RTK)
plays
critical
roles
migration,
aberrant
RTK
pathway
activity
key
driver
multiple
types
cancers.
Yet,
how
RTKs
control
remains
unclear,
part
due
essential,
pleiotropic
development.
To
elucidate
controls
vivo
,
we
used
C.
elegans
muscle
progenitor
as
tractable
system
dissect
temporal
requirements
signal
transduction
cytoskeletal
regulatory
proteins.
Cell
type-specific
depletion
endogenously
tagged
revealed
homologs
FGFR,
GRB2,
SOS,
Ras
independent
their
canonical
ERK,
PI3K,
AKT,
mTOR,
PLCγ
effectors.
Instead,
found
FGF-dependent,
polarized
SOS-1
orients
towards
an
FGF
source,
mislocalizing
SOS
severely
disrupts
ERK.
gain-of-function
experiments
demonstrated
activated
Ras/LET-60
acts
permissively
this
context,
intragenic
revertant
identified
screen
suppressors
Ras/let-60
progenitors
can
be
genetically
uncoupled
from
other
Ras-dependent
developmental
processes.
Our
findings
provide
novel
mechanism
RTK-directed
highlight
the
importance
approaches
mechanisms
physiologically
relevant
contexts.
work
also
outlines
comprehensive
framework
investigating
RTK-dependent
processes
multicellular
organism
introduces
versatile
genetic
toolkit
dissecting
dynamics
homeostasis,