Neural and genetic degeneracy underlies Caenorhabditis elegans feeding behavior.
J Neurophysiol
; 112(4): 951-61, 2014 Aug 15.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24872529
ABSTRACT
Degenerate networks, in which structurally distinct elements can perform the same function or yield the same output, are ubiquitous in biology. Degeneracy contributes to the robustness and adaptability of networks in varied environmental and evolutionary contexts. However, how degenerate neural networks regulate behavior in vivo is poorly understood, especially at the genetic level. Here, we identify degenerate neural and genetic mechanisms that underlie excitation of the pharynx (feeding organ) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using cell-specific optogenetic excitation and inhibition. We show that the pharyngeal neurons MC, M2, M4, and I1 form multiple direct and indirect excitatory pathways in a robust network for control of pharyngeal pumping. I1 excites pumping via MC and M2 in a state-dependent manner. We identify nicotinic and muscarinic receptors through which the pharyngeal network regulates feeding rate. These results identify two different mechanisms by which degeneracy is manifest in a neural circuit in vivo.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Caenorhabditis elegans
/
Comportamento Alimentar
/
Rede Nervosa
/
Neurônios
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Neurophysiol
Ano de publicação:
2014
Tipo de documento:
Article