Dr. Kang Shen
Professor of Biology and Pathology, Stanford University
Lab Website
How genetic and developmental programs instruct neuronal function in C. elegans
Friday, March 29
12 PM
RRI 101
Abstract: Polymodal sensory neurons enhance coding capacity and are found in diverse animals. However, it is not well understood how a single neuron senses, processes and generates two neuronal outcomes. Here we describe the mechanism by which the C. elegans PVD neurons sense both external touch and proprioceptive stimuli. These two modalities are detected by distinct mechanosensitive ENaC channels, which trigger distinct cellular responses. While harsh touch activates PVD’s downstream command interneurons through its axon, proprioceptive stimuli act through a novel trimeric sensor composed of DEL-1, UNC-8 and MEC-10 to induce dendritic release of a neuropeptide NLP-12. NLP-12 directly modulates neuromuscular junction activity through its receptor on motor axons, setting muscle tone and movement vigor. These results suggest that the same neuron can simultaneously use both its axon and dendrites as output apparatus to drive distinct outcomes.
No comments:
Post a Comment