Transgenesis enables mapping of segmental ganglia in the leech Helobdella austinensis
Journal
Journal of Experimental Biology
Journal Volume
227
Journal Issue
14
ISSN
0022-0949
1477-9145
Date Issued
2024-07-24
Author(s)
Lidia Szczupak
David A. Weisblat
Enrique L. Portiansky
Christopher J. Winchell
Jun-Ru Lee
Fu-Yu Tsai
Abstract
The analysis of how neural circuits function in individuals and change during evolution is simplified by the existence of neurons identified as homologous within and across species. Invertebrates, including leeches, have been used for these purposes in part because their nervous systems comprise a high proportion of identified neurons, but technical limitations make it challenging to assess the full extent to which assumptions of stereotypy hold true. Here, we introduce Minos plasmid-mediated transgenesis as a tool for introducing transgenes into the embryos of the leech Helobdella austinensis (Spiralia; Lophotrochozoa; Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida; Glossiphoniidae). We identified an enhancer driving pan-neuronal expression of markers, including histone2B: mCherry, which allowed us to enumerate neurons in segmental ganglia. Unexpectedly, we found that the segmental ganglia of adult transgenic H. austinensis contain fewer and more variable numbers of neurons than in previously examined leech species.
Subjects
Annelid
Ganglia
Invertebrate model
Nervous system
Publisher
The Company of Biologists
Description
Article number jeb247419
Type
journal article