In vivo calcium imaging of OFF-responding ASK chemosensory neurons in C. elegans |
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Authors: | Tokumitsu Wakabayashi Yukihiro Kimura Yusuke Ohba Ryota Adachi Yoh-ichi Satoh Ryuzo Shingai |
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Institution: | 1. Laboratory of Bioscience, Faculty of Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8551, Japan;2. Department of Cell Biology and Functional Morphology, Iwate Medical University, 19-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-8505, Japan |
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Abstract: | BackgroundHow neurons and neuronal circuits transform sensory input into behavior is not well understood. Because of its well-described, simple nervous system, Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model organism to study this issue. Transformation of sensory signals into neural activity is a crucial first step in the sensory–motor transformation pathway in an animal's nervous system. We examined the properties of chemosensory ASK neurons of C. elegans during sensory stimulation.MethodA genetically encoded calcium sensor protein, G-CaMP, was expressed in ASK neurons of C. elegans, and the intracellular calcium dynamics of the neurons were observed.ResultsAfter application of the attractants l-lysine or food-related stimuli, the level of calcium in ASK neurons decreased. In contrast, responses increased upon stimulus removal. Opposite responses were observed after application and removal of a repellent.ConclusionThe observed changes in response to external stimuli suggest that the activity of ASK neurons may impact stimulus-evoked worm behavior. The stimulus-ON/activity-OFF properties of ASK neurons are similar to those of vertebrate retinal photoreceptors.General significanceAnalysis of sensory–motor transformation pathways based on the activity and structure of neuronal circuits is an important goal in neurobiology and is practical in C. elegans. Our study provides insights into the mechanism of such transformation in the animal. |
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Keywords: | G-CaMP calcium imaging imaging sensory neuron OFF-response L-lysine SDS |
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