A study of neural circuit mechanism of voluntary behavior in C. elegans

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K14308
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: Saitama University
• Principal Investigator: GENGYO-ANDO Keiko 埼玉大学, 理工学研究科, 特任教授 (40221741)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): NAKAI Junichi 埼玉大学, 理工学研究科, 教授 (80237198) ; OHKURA Masamichi 埼玉大学, 理工学研究科, 准教授 (70369172) ; TAKAGI Shin 名古屋大学, 理学研究科, 准教授 (90171420)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: イメージング / 線虫 / 神経回路

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Animals exhibit voluntary behaviors, but their neural mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we developed a new imaging system, ICaST, which combines an automatic tracking system and a fast-scanning laser confocal microscope, to image neurons of interest in freely behaving C. elegans. Using ICaST in conjunction with an improved G-CaMP7, we conducted Ca2+ imaging of a freely moving animal at high magnification while automatically tracking the target in the microscope's field of view. We identified several neurons in the head ganglia that act before or during spontaneous backward locomotion. We also developed a system for optogenetic stimulation and simultaneous imaging by concurrent use of G-CaMP and ChR2. Our new approach will provide a powerful platform for studying the neural circuit mechanisms of C. elegans behaviors and has potential for use in other animals.

Free Research Field

神経生理学