Dual Excitatory and Inhibitory Serotonergic Inputs Modulate Egg Laying in Caenorhabditis elegans

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Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT) regulates key processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Previously, four 5-HT receptors that contributed to the 5-HT modulation of egg laying were identified in Caenorhabditis elegans. Therefore, to assess potential receptor interactions, we generated animals containing combinations of null alleles for each receptor, especially animals expressing only individual 5-HT receptors. 5-HT-stimulated egg laying and egg retention correlated well with different combinations of predicted excitatory and inhibitory serotonergic inputs. For example, 5-HT did not stimulate egg laying in ser-1, ser-7, or ser-7 ser-1 null animals, and ser-7 ser-1 animals retained more eggs than wild-type animals. In contrast, 5-HT-stimulated egg laying in ser-4;mod-1 animals was greater than in wild-type animals, and ser-4;mod-1 animals retained fewer eggs than wild-type animals. Surprisingly, ser-4;mod-1;ser-7 ser-1 animals retained the same number of eggs as wild-type animals and exhibited significant 5-HT-stimulated egg laying that was dependent on a previously uncharacterized receptor, SER-5. 5-HT-stimulated egg laying was absent in ser-5;ser-4;mod-1;ser-7 ser-1 animals, and these animals retained more eggs than either wild-type or ser-4;mod-1;ser-7 ser-1 animals. The 5-HT sensitivity of egg laying could be restored by ser-5 muscle expression. Together, these results highlight the dual excitatory/inhibitory serotonergic inputs that combine to modulate egg laying.

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C. elegans: des neurones et des gènes

Jean-Louis Bessereau, Christelle Gally (2003)

The human brain contains 100 billion neurons and probably one thousand times more synapses. Such a system can be analyzed at different complexity levels, from cognitive functions to molecular structure of ion channels. However, it remains extremely difficult to establish links between these different levels. An alternative strategy relies on the use of much simpler animals that can be easily manipulated. In 1974, S. Brenner introduced the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. This worm has a simple nervous system that only contains 302 neurons and about 7,000 synapses. Forward genetic screens are powerful tools to identify genes required for specific neuron functions and behaviors. Moreover, studies of mutant phenotypes can identify the function of a protein in the nervous system. The data that have been obtained in C. elegans demonstrate a fascinating conservation of the molecular and cellular biology of the neuron between worms and mammals through more than 550 million years of evolution.

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Pathogenic bacteria induce aversive olfactory learning in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Yun Zhang, Hang Lu, Cornelia I. Bargmann (2005)

Food can be hazardous, either through toxicity or through bacterial infections that follow the ingestion of a tainted food source. Because learning about food quality enhances survival, one of the most robust forms of olfactory learning is conditioned avoidance of tastes associated with visceral malaise. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans feeds on bacteria but is susceptible to infection by pathogenic bacteria in its natural environment. Here we show that C. elegans modifies its olfactory preferences after exposure to pathogenic bacteria, avoiding odours from the pathogen and increasing its attraction to odours from familiar nonpathogenic bacteria. Particular bacteria elicit specific changes in olfactory preferences that are suggestive of associative learning. Exposure to pathogenic bacteria increases serotonin in ADF chemosensory neurons by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Serotonin functions through MOD-1, a serotonin-gated chloride channel expressed in sensory interneurons, to promote aversive learning. An increase in serotonin may represent the negative reinforcing stimulus in pathogenic infection.