Tyraminergic G Protein-Coupled Receptors Modulate Locomotion and Navigational Behavior In C. Elegans: A Dissertation

摘要: An animal’s ability to navigate through its natural environment is critical survival. Navigation can be slow and methodical such as an annual migration, or purely reactive escape response. How sensory input translated into a fast behavioral output execute goal oriented locomotion remains elusive. In this dissertation, I aimed investigate response behavior in the nematode C. elegans. It has been shown that biogenic amine tyramine essential for A tyramine-gated chloride channel, LGC-55, revealed modulate suppression of head oscillations reversal touch. Here, discovered key modulators tyraminergic signaling pathway forward reverse genetic screens using exogenous drug plates. ser-2, activated G proteincoupled receptor mutant, was partially resistant paralytic effects on body movements, indicating role behavior. Further analysis ser-2 asymmetrically expressed VD GABAergic motor neurons, SER-2 inhibits neurotransmitter release along ventral nerve cord. Although overall normal mutants, they failed omega turns by fully contracting musculature. Omega allow animal completely change directions away from predator during Furthermore, my studies developed assay instantaneous velocity changes