Global dynamics of descending interneuron function in free-moving Caenorhabditis elegans

Enacting complex behaviours, such as locomotion, involves network-wide integration of information at the level of the nervous system. This understanding highlights the need for appropriate technologies to monitor the global dynamics of neurons in these networks. However, previous studies employing model organisms have been limited to low resolution imaging, few neurons and/or immobilized specimens. In order to systematically correlate the generalities of behavior to neuronal and neural circuit function, concurrent brain-wide monitoring of the activities of many neurons in unperturbed animals is required. The current study will employ advanced microscopy methods in conjunction with sophisticated genetic tools and computational analysis algorithms utilized in a relatively recently developed experimental paradigm to monitor head neuron dynamics on a global scale in free-moving Caenorhabditis elegans. In so doing, our overarching objectives are to 1) describe on a network-wide level how neuron function contributes to forward and backward locomotion and 2) characterize how descending input from higher-level interneurons, themselves often poorly characterized in the context of locomotion, contribute to general and goal-oriented behavior. We anticipate that our findings will underscore a network density in C. elegans analogous to that of large organisms, including vertebrate spinal cords. To Be Cont’d.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mei Zhen

Student:

Partner:

Harvard University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: