Regulation of two motor patterns enables the gradual adjustment of locomotion strategy in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Elife
; 52016 05 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27222228
ABSTRACT
In animal locomotion a tradeoff exists between stereotypy and flexibility fast long-distance travelling (LDT) requires coherent regular motions, while local sampling and area-restricted search (ARS) rely on flexible movements. We report here on a posture control system in C. elegans that coordinates these needs. Using quantitative posture analysis we explain worm locomotion as a composite of two modes regular undulations versus flexible turning. Graded reciprocal regulation of both modes allows animals to flexibly adapt their locomotion strategy under sensory stimulation along a spectrum ranging from LDT to ARS. Using genetics and functional imaging of neural activity we characterize the counteracting interneurons AVK and DVA that utilize FLP-1 and NLP-12 neuropeptides to control both motor modes. Gradual regulation of behaviors via this system is required for spatial navigation during chemotaxis. This work shows how a nervous system controls simple elementary features of posture to generate complex movements for goal-directed locomotion strategies.
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Texto completo:
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Caenorhabditis elegans
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Locomoção
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Neurônios Motores
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Fenômenos Fisiológicos do Sistema Nervoso
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2016
Tipo de documento:
Article