Genetic analysis of mechanisms for spontaneous activities in the C. elegans central nervous system

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24570009
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Genetics/Genome dynamics
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: TERAMOTO Takayuki 九州大学, 理学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (90571836)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): ISHIHARA Takeshi 九州大学, 理学研究院生物, 教授 (10249948)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: カルシウムイメージング / 神経 / 線虫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The central nervous system generates spontaneous activities, which are thought to contribute to information processing; however, its function is not fully understood. In this study, to reveal its nature, we performed whole-brain imaging of C. elegans at cellular resolution by using 4D imaging system that we have designed and developed. Analysis of temporal changes in ratio of the individual neurons revealed a synchronized rhythmic activity in multiple neurons under non-stimulus condition. By frequency analysis indicated a major component is close to rhythm of switching forward-backward locomotion, implying that the rhythm component may function as a pacemakers or pattern generators for the locomotion. On the other hand, a gap-junction coding gene inx-7 mutation reduced spontaneous activity, implying gap-junctions may be involved in the pacemaker.

Free Research Field

神経科学