A serotonergic circuit regulates aversive associative learning under mitochondrial stress in C. elegans
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Journal Volume
119
Journal Issue
11
Date Issued
2022-03-15
Author(s)
Abstract
SignificancePhysiological stress triggers avoidance behavior, allowing the animals to stay away from potential threats and optimize their chance of survival. Mitochondrial disruption, a common physiological stress in diverse species, induces the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to avoid non-pathogenic bacteria through a serotonergic neuronal circuit. We find that distinct neurons, communicated through serotonin and a specific serotonin receptor, are required for the formation and retrieval of this learned aversive behavior. This learned avoidance behavior is associated with increased serotonin synthesis, altered neuronal response property, and reprogramming of locomotion patterns. The circuit and neuromodulatory mechanisms described here offer important insights for stress-induced avoidance behavior.
Subjects
C. elegans; aversive learning; mitochondria; serotonin; stress
Publisher
NATL ACAD SCIENCES
Type
journal article