Academic literature on the topic 'Elegans synapse'

Graph theoretical analyses of nervous systems usually omit the aspect of connection polarity, due to data insufficiency. The chemical synapse network of Caenorhabditis elegans is a well-reconstructed directed network, but the signs of its connections are yet to be elucidated. Here, we present the gene expression-based sign prediction of the ionotropic chemical synapse connectome of C. elegans (3,638 connections and 20,589 synapses total), incorporating available presynaptic neurotransmitter and postsynaptic receptor gene expression data for three major neurotransmitter systems. We made predictions for more than two-thirds of these chemical synapses and observed an excitatory-inhibitory (E:I) ratio close to 4:1 which was found similar to that observed in many real-world networks. Our open source tool (http://EleganSign.linkgroup.hu) is simple but efficient in predicting polarities by integrating neuronal connectome and gene expression data.

Neural circuits utilize a coordinated cellular machinery to form and eliminate synaptic connections, with the neuronal cytoskeleton playing a prominent role. During larval development of Caenorhabditis elegans, synapses of motor neurons are stereotypically rewired through a process facilitated by dynamic microtubules (MTs). Through a genetic suppressor screen on mutant animals that fail to rewire synapses, and in combination with live imaging and ultrastructural studies, we find that intermediate filaments (IFs) stabilize MTs to prevent synapse rewiring. Genetic ablation of IFs or pharmacological disruption of IF networks restores MT growth and rescues synapse rewiring defects in the mutant animals, indicating that IF accumulation directly alters MT stability. Our work sheds light on the impact of IFs on MT dynamics and axonal transport, which is relevant to the mechanistic understanding of several human motor neuron diseases characterized by IF accumulation in axonal swellings.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are a critical component of the vertebrate central nervous system and mediate the majority of rapid excitatory neurotransmission. However, iGluRs are not self-regulating molecules and require additional proteins in order to function properly. Understanding the molecular architecture of functional glutamatergic synapses is therefore an important challenge in neurobiology. To address this question, we combine the techniques of genetics, molecular biology and electrophysiology in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. To date, genetic analysis has identified a number of genes required to build a glutamatergic synapse, including the CUB-domain transmembrane protein, SOL-1, which is thought to act as an auxiliary subunit that directly modifies iGluR function. Identifying and characterizing new proteins, such as SOL-1, in the relatively simple nervous system of the worm can contribute to our understanding of how more complex vertebrate nervous systems function.

GABAergic neurotransmission constitutes a major inhibitory signaling mechanism that plays crucial roles in central nervous system physiology and immune cell immunomodulation. However, its roles in innate immunity remain unclear. Here, we report that deficiency in the GABAergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of Caenorhabditis elegans results in enhanced resistance to pathogens, whereas pathogen infection enhances the strength of GABAergic transmission. GABAergic synapses control innate immunity in a manner dependent on the FOXO/DAF-16 but not the p38/PMK-1 pathway. Our data reveal that the insulin-like peptide INS-31 level was dramatically decreased in the GABAergic NMJ GABAAR-deficient unc-49 mutant compared with wild-type animals. C. elegans with ins-31 knockdown or loss of function exhibited enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 exposure. INS-31 may act downstream of GABAergic NMJs and in body wall muscle to control intestinal innate immunity in a cell-nonautonomous manner. Our results reveal a signaling axis of synapse–muscular insulin–intestinal innate immunity in vivo.

Abstract Nonallelic noncomplementation occurs when recessive mutations in two different loci fail to complement one another, in other words, the double heterozygote exhibits a phenotype. We observed that mutations in the genes encoding the physically interacting synaptic proteins UNC-13 and syntaxin/UNC-64 failed to complement one another in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Noncomplementation was not observed between null alleles of these genes and thus this genetic interaction does not occur with a simple decrease in dosage at the two loci. However, noncomplementation was observed if at least one gene encoded a partially functional gene product. Thus, this genetic interaction requires a poisonous gene product to sensitize the genetic background. Nonallelic noncomplementation was not limited to interacting proteins: Although the strongest effects were observed between loci encoding gene products that bind to one another, interactions were also observed between proteins that do not directly interact but are members of the same complex. We also observed noncomplementation between genes that function at distant points in the same pathway, implying that physical interactions are not required for nonallelic noncomplementation. Finally, we observed that mutations in genes that function in different processes such as neurotransmitter synthesis or synaptic development complement one another. Thus, this genetic interaction is specific for genes acting in the same pathway, that is, for genes acting in synaptic vesicle trafficking.

Regulation of excitatory to inhibitory signaling balance is essential to nervous system health and is maintained by numerous enzyme systems that modulate the activity, localization, and abundance of synaptic proteins. SUMOylation is a key post-translational regulator of protein function in diverse cells, including neurons. There, its role in regulating synaptic transmission through pre- and postsynaptic effects has been shown primarily at glutamatergic central nervous system synapses, where the sole SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9 is a critical player. However, whether Ubc9 functions globally at other synapses, including inhibitory synapses, has not been explored. Here, we investigated the role of UBC-9 and the SUMOylation pathway in controlling the balance of excitatory cholinergic and inhibitory GABAergic signaling required for muscle contraction in Caenorhabditis elegans. We found inhibition or overexpression of UBC-9 in neurons modestly increased muscle excitation. Similar and even stronger phenotypes were seen with UBC-9 overexpression specifically in GABAergic neurons, but not in cholinergic neurons. These effects correlated with accumulation of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins at GABAergic presynapses, where UBC-9 and the C. elegans SUMO ortholog SMO-1 localized, and with defects in GABA-dependent behaviors. Experiments involving expression of catalytically inactive UBC-9 [UBC-9(C93S)], as well as co-expression of UBC-9 and SMO-1, suggested wild type UBC-9 overexpressed alone may act via substrate sequestration in the absence of sufficient free SUMO, underscoring the importance of tightly regulated SUMO enzyme function. Similar effects on muscle excitation, GABAergic signaling, and synaptic vesicle localization occurred with overexpression of the SUMO activating enzyme subunit AOS-1. Together, these data support a model in which UBC-9 and the SUMOylation system act at presynaptic sites in inhibitory motor neurons to control synaptic signaling balance in C. elegans. Future studies will be important to define UBC-9 targets at this synapse, as well as mechanisms by which UBC-9 and the SUMO pathway are regulated.

The ability of a neuron to alter its synaptic connections during development is essential to circuit assembly. Synapse remodeling or refinement has been observed in many species and many neuronal circuits, yet the mechanisms defining which neurons undergo remodeling are unclear. Moreover, the molecules that execute the process of remodeling are also obscure. To address this issue, we sought to identify targets of the transcription factor unc-55 COUP-TF, which acts as a cell-specific repressor of synapse remodeling in C. elegans. unc-55 COUP-TF is expressed in VD neurons, where it prevents synapse remodeling. DD neurons can remodel synapses because they do not express unc-55 COUP-TF. Ectopic expression of unc-55 COUP-TF in DD neurons prevents remodeling. We identified the transcription factor Hunchback-like hbl-1 as a target of UNC-55 COUP-TF repression. Differential expression of hbl-1 explains the cell-type specificity of remodeling. hbl-1 is expressed in the DD neurons that are capable of remodeling, and is not expressed in the VD neurons that do not remodel. In unc-55 mutants, hbl-1 expression increases in VD neurons where it promotes ectopic remodeling. Moreover, hbl-1 expression levels bidirectionally regulate the timing of DD remodeling, as increases in hbl-1 cause precocious remodeling while decreases in hbl-1 cause remodeling delays. Finally, hbl-1 coordinates heterochronic microRNA and neuronal activity pathways to regulate the timing of remodeling. Increases or decreases in circuit activity cause increases or decreases in hbl-1 expression, and consequently early or delayed remodeling. Thus, convergent regulation of hbl-1 expression defines a genetic mechanism that patterns activity-dependent synaptic remodeling across cell types and across developmental time. We identified other targets of UNC-55 COUP-TF regulation using gene expression profiling, and implicate some of these factors in the regulation of remodeling using functional genomic screens. Our work suggests roles for conserved networks of transcription factors in the regulation of remodeling. We propose a model in which hbl-1 and other targets of unc-55 COUP-TF transcriptional repression are responsible for regulating synapse remodeling in C. elegans.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2010.
Title from first page of PDF file (viewed June 3, 2010). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-95).

Proper synaptic connectivity is critical for communication between cells and information processing in the brain. Neurons are highly interconnected, forming synapses with multiple partners, and these connections are often refined during the course of development. While decades of research have elucidated many molecular players that regulate these processes, understanding their specific roles can be difficult due to the large number of synapses and complex circuitry in the brain. In this thesis, I investigate mechanisms that establish neural circuits in the simple organism C. elegans, allowing us to address this important problem with single cell resolution in vivo. First, I investigate remodeling of excitatory synapses during development. I show that the immunoglobulin domain protein OIG-1 alters the timing of remodeling, demonstrating that OIG-1 stabilizes synapses in early development but is less critical for the formation of mature synapses. Second, I explore how presynaptic excitatory neurons instruct inhibitory synaptic connectivity. My work shows that disruption of cholinergic neurons alters the pattern of connectivity in partnering GABAergic neurons, and defines a time window during development in which cholinergic signaling appears critical. Lastly, I define novel postsynaptic specializations in GABAergic neurons that bear striking similarity to dendritic spines, and show that presynaptic nrx-1/neurexin is required for the development of spiny synapses. In contrast, cholinergic connectivity with their other postsynaptic partners, muscle cells, does not require nrx-1/neurexin. Thus, distinct molecular signals govern connectivity with these two cell types. Altogether, my findings identify fundamental principles governing synapse development in both the developing and mature nervous system.

Le travail réalisé au cours de cette thèse vise à comprendre par quels processus les récepteurs de neurotransmetteur sont localisés à la synapse en utilisant la jonction neuromusculaire du nématode Caenorhabditis elegans comme modèle. L’agrégation des récepteurs se fait en règle générale par l’intermédiaire de protéines cytoplasmiques. En revanche, nous avons montré que, chez C. Elegans, la localisation des récepteurs de l’acétylcholine (RACh) se faisait par le domaine extracellulaire d’une protéine transmembranaire déjà caractérisée, LEV-10, et d’une nouvelle protéine extracellulaire, LEV-9. LEV-9 est sécrétée par les cellules musculaires et est localisée à la JNM. Les 3 protéines RACh, LEV-9 et LEV-10 sont nécessaires pour former un complexe protéique qui se localise à la synapse. De façon intrigante, LEV-9 contient huit domaines CCP (complement control protein), qui sont habituellement présents dans les protéines impliquées dans la voie du complément chez les mammifères. Comme la voie du complément n’existe pas chez les protostomiens et que de nombreuses protéines à domaines CCP sont exprimées dans le cerveau des mammifères, nous proposons que ces protéines à multiples domaines CCP fonctionnaient ancestralement dans le système nerveux

In the nervous system, billions of neurons undergo a multistep process to establish functional circuits. This entails accurate extension of dendritic and axonal processes and coordinated efforts of pre- and postsynaptic neurons to form synaptic connections. Although many axon guidance molecules and synaptic organizers have been identified, the molecular redundancy and the vast number of synapses in the brain has complicated attempts to define their precise roles. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms that encompass these processes, my studies utilize the genetic strengths and cellular precision available in Caenorhabditis elegans for in vivo investigations of nervous system development. In this work, I unravel cell-specific requirements for the transmembrane receptor integrin in regulating developmental axon guidance of GABAergic motor neurons. Furthermore, I address important questions about mechanisms of synapse formation and maintenance using a novel dendritic spine model in C. elegans. Using high resolution microscopy, I find that the formation of immature presynaptic vesicles and postsynaptic receptors are established prior to the outgrowth of dendritic spines at nascent synapses. During this early period of synapse formation, the kinesin-3 family protein UNC-104/KIF1A transports a transsynaptic adhesion molecule neurexin/NRX-1 to developing active zones, in order to maintain postsynaptic receptors and dendritic spines in the mature circuit. In the absence of nrx-1, spines initially form normally but collapse following their extension. These findings demonstrate that presynaptic NRX-1 is required to maintain postsynaptic structures. Together my work provides new insights into molecular mechanisms that define spatiotemporal characteristics of nervous system development and the maintenance of connectivity.

Le système nerveux est un réseau complexe qui détecte et analyse les informations. Ces informations sont transmises entre cellules grâce à des connections synaptiques et des jonctions communicantes. Ce réseau n’est pas statique et évolue au cours du développement, de l’apprentissage mais aussi durant le processus de vieillissement – naturels ou pathologiques. Comprendre le système nerveux et son fonctionnement requiert une analyse des connections synaptiques in vivo chez un animal model tel que Caenorhabditis elegans. Cependant les techniques actuellement disponibles pour C. elegans sont laborieuses, ne dépendent pas forcément d’une interaction trans-synaptique ou fixent la synapse. Par conséquent, ces approches ne permettent pas de réaliser des études de populations et dynamiques des modifications synaptiques. Dans ce manuscrit, je décris tout d’abord une nouvelle technique pour visualiser les synapses in vivo chez le vers C. elegans. Cette technique appelé iBLINC (in vivo Biotin Labeling of INtercellular Contacts) qui consiste en la biotinylation d’un peptide par une ligase d’Escherichia coli, BirA. Ces deux molécules sont fusionnées à des protéines trans-membranaires qui forment un complexe à la synapse. La biotinylation est détectée grâce à une streptavidin monomérique taguée avec un fluorophore qui est secrétée dans l’espace extracellulaire. J’ai démontré que cette technique est directionnelle et dynamique. En utilisant iBLINC pour visualiser des synapses faisant partie du circuit sensoriel de C. elegans, une évolution du nombre et de la taille des synapses a pu être observée avec l’âge. Il semblerait que ce changement soit dépendant du segment de la zone synaptique observée. Ces résultats ont été corroborés par l’observation d’une diminution du nombre de vésicules pendant le vieillissement grâce à un marqueur pré-synaptique des synapses GABAergique de la jonction neuromusculaire. Pour conclure, ce manuscrit décrit une nouvelle technique permettant d’observer les synapses chez le vers vivant et démontre une évolution naturelle du nombre de synapses et du nombre de vésicules pré-synaptiques avec l’âge
The nervous system is a complex network that senses and processes information and is essential for the survival of both vertebrates and invertebrates as it is involved in behavior responses. Information within the network is transmitted through specialized cell-cell contacts, including synaptic connections. Importantly, the network is not static and is believed to change during development and learning, as well as during pathological or normal age-related decline. Studying the nervous system in vivo requires the use of animal models such as Caenorhabditis elegans. Understanding of behavior and development requires visualization and analysis of synaptic connectivity. However, existing methods are laborious and may not depend on trans-synaptic interactions, or otherwise ‘trap’ the synapses by fixing the connections, thus precluding dynamic studies. In order to study synaptic modifications, we developed a new transgenic approach for in vivo labeling of specific connections in C. elegans, called iBLINC (in vivo Biotin Labeling of INtercellular Contacts). iBLINC involves the biotinylation of an acceptor peptide (AP) by the Escherichia coli biotin ligase BirA. Both are fused to two interacting post- and pre-synaptic proteins, respectively. The biotinylated acceptor peptide fusion is detected by a monomer streptavidin fused to a fluorescent protein that is transgenically expressed and secreted into the extracellular space. The method is directional, bright and dynamic. Moreover it correlates well with electron micrograph reconstruction. Using this new technique to observe synapses, which are part of the thermosensory circuitry of C. elegans, during aging, we could conclude that the connection pattern varies with age and within a population. Changes of the number and size of the synapses were observed during aging. Some segments of the synaptic region seem to be more affected than others by the aging process. Those results were corroborated by using a GABAergic pre-synaptic marker which allowed us to visualize a decline of the vesicle number with aging. In summary, in this thesis I explained a new in vivo trans-synaptic method to visualize synapses in C. elegans. Then I demonstrated that a natural decline in the number of synapses as well as the number of vesicles occurs during aging

Proper chromosome segregation at meiosis I depends on the initial alignment of homologous chromosomes, the establishment of the synaptonemal complex (SC), and the formation of chiasma between homologs. Previous studies have demonstrated that HIM-3, a component of the meiotic chromosome axis, is required for these processes through the recruitment of the autosomal pairing center proteins (ZIMs) and of SC components like SYP-1. The him-3(vv6) mutation results in the substitution of a highly conserved residue in the HORMA domain, believed to mediate protein-protein interactions. him-3(vv6) mutant germlines display immature and discontinuous axes at early meiosis and the autosomal pairing center (PC) protein ZIM-3 fails to localize properly to the pairing centers, despite the fact that HIM-3vv6 is appropriately expressed and localized; mutants exhibit severe defects in homolog alignment, extensive nonhomologous synapsis and defects in chiasma formation, resulting in a high embryonic lethality (emb) and a high incidence of male (him) phenotype as consequences of chromosome missegregation. To identify proteins that interact with HIM-3 in early meiotic processes and other proteins that function in the HIM-3 pathway, an EMS-based suppressor screen was performed using the vv6 allele and a strong extragenic suppressor, vv39 was isolated. vv39 was identified as a novel allele of cct-4, which encodes the delta subunit of type II chaperonin complex. In wild-type germlines, CCT-4 is localized to the cytoplasm and to the nucleus, indicating that it has a nuclear role. In germlines depleted for cct-4 or other subunits of the CCT complex, axis assembly is delayed, ZIM-3 fails to be recruited to the PCs and SYP-1 fails to localize to the axes, suggesting that the CCT complex is required for morphogenesis of meiotic chromosome axes competent for meiotic processes. In him-3(vv6); cct-4(vv39) mutants, the timely morphogenesis of chromosome axes is appears to be restored and is accompanied by ZIM-3 recruitment to PCs, improved homologue alignment and reduced nonhomologous synapsis. These results collectively suggest that CCT-4 mediates timely axes morphogenesis through CCT-mediated folding of axis component HIM-3 or its interactors. This study is the first to provide insight on the function of molecular chaperonin in mediating meiotic processes and reveals an unprecedented nuclear function for the complex. It would be interesting in the future to further study the nuclear CCT chaperonin complex and its clients to learn more about their roles in meiotic processes.
La ségrégation des chromosomes lors de la méiose I dépend de l'alignement initial de chromosomes homologues, la mise en place du complexe synaptonémal (SC), et la formation de chiasmas entre les homologues. Des études antérieures ont démontré que HIM-3, une composante de l'axe du chromosome méiotique, est requis pour ces processus par le recrutement des protéines autosomique centre de liaison (ZIMS) et des composants SC comme SYP-1. Le him-3(vv6) mutation se traduit par la substitution d'un résidu hautement conservé dans le domaine HORMA, considérés comme des médiateurs des interactions protéine-protéine. him-3(vv6) germlines mutant affichage des axes immature et discontinue à la méiose précoce et le centre autosomique appariement (PC) protéine ZIM-3 ne parvient pas à localiser correctement vers les centres de liaison, malgré le fait que HIM-3vv6 est correctement exprimé et localisées; mutants présentent des défauts graves dans homologue alignement, non homologue vaste synapse et des défauts dans la formation des chiasmas, entraînant une mortalité élevée embryonnaires (emb) et une incidence élevée de sexe masculin (him) comme des conséquences de phénotype missegregation chromosome. Pour identifier les protéines qui interagissent avec HIM-3 au début du processus de la méiose et d'autres protéines qui fonctionnent dans la voie HIM-3, un crible EMS à base de suppresseur a été réalisée avec l'allèle vv6 et un suppresseur de forte extragénique, vv39 a été isolé. vv39 a été identifié comme un nouvel allèle de cct-4, qui code pour la sous-unité delta du complexe chaperonine type II. En germlines de type sauvage, cct-4 est localisée dans le cytoplasme et le noyau, ce qui indique qu'il a un rôle nucléaire. En germlines appauvri pour cct-4 ou d'autres sous-unités du complexe du CCT, le montage axe est retardée, ZIM-3 ne parvient pas à être recrutés pour les PC et SYP-1ne parvient pas à localiser les axes, ce qui suggère que le complexe CCT est nécessaire pour la morphogenèse des axes chromosome méiotique compétente pour les processus de la méiose. En him-3(vv6); cct-4 (vv39) mutants, la morphogenèse en temps opportun des axes chromosome est semble être restauré et il est accompagné par ZIM-3 de recrutement pour les PC, l'alignement homologue accrue et une réduction non homologue synapsis. Ces résultats suggèrent collectivement que CCT-4 est un médiateur de axes morphogenèse par pliage de l'axe composante HIM-3 ou des interacteurs du HIM-3. Cette étude est la première à donner un aperçu sur la fonction de chaperonine moléculaire dans la médiation des processus méiotique. Il serait intéressant à l'avenir d'approfondir l'étude du complexe nucléaire chaperonine CCT et de ses clients à en apprendre davantage sur leur rôle dans les processus de la méiose.

Les récepteurs nicotiniques de l’acétylcholine (RAChs) appartiennent à une famille de protéines transmembranaires très conservée et impliquée dans de nombreux processus physiologiques et pathologiques chez l'homme. Le contrôle de l'expression et de la localisation des RAChs est fondamental pour la formation, la maintenance et la plasticité synaptique. J'ai utilisé une stratégie génétique chez le nématode Caenorhabditis elegans afin d’identifier de nouveaux gènes requis pour la biosynthèse et la localisation synaptique des RAChs. J'ai initialement réalisé un crible visant à identifier des gènes dont l'invalidation altère la localisation des RAChs à la jonction neuromusculaire (JNM). Après inactivation par ARN interférence de plus d'un millier de gènes évolutivement conservés, j'ai validé 18 candidats requis pour le fonctionnement de la JNM cholinergique. J'ai ensuite réalisé la caractérisation du gène emc 6 dont un allèle mutant avait été isolé au cours d'un crible de résistance au lévamisole, un agoniste cholinergique. EMC-6 est une petite protéine très conservée localisée dans le réticulum endoplasmique (RE). En l'absence d'EMC-6, les sous-unités du RACh en cours d'assemblage sont dégradées. EMC-6 appartient à un complexe évolutivement conservé appelé EMC (ER protein Membrane Complex). Chez C. Elegans, l'inactivation de l'EMC par ARNi provoque des défauts développementaux, une diminution de l'expression des RAChs, et l'activation de rapporteurs du stress du RE. Ces résultats suggèrent que l'EMC protège les RAChs de la dégradation pendant leur maturation et est requis pour le maintien de l'homéostasie du RE en conditions physiologiques
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) belong to a widely conserved family of transmembrane protein implicated in numerous physiological and pathological processes in human. Control of AChR expression and localisation is essential for the synapse formation, stability and plasticity. I used a genetic approach in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to identify novel genes required for biosynthesis and synaptic localization of AChRs. First, I performed a visual screen for genes required for proper localization of AChRs at neuromuscular junction (NMJ). After inactivation of more than 1000 evolutionarily conserved genes by RNA interference, I validated 18 candidates required for cholinergic NMJ function. Second, I realized the functional and molecular characterization of the novel gene emc-6. Emc-6 mutant was identified in a screen for mutants partially resistant to levamisole, a cholinergic agonist. EMC-6 is a small protein widely conserved from plant to human and localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). When EMC-6 is absent, AChR subunits are targeted to degradation. EMC-6 belongs to the conserved ER Membrane protein Complex (EMC). In C. Elegans, RNAi against EMC members causes developmental defects, decreased AChR expression and activation of ER stress reporters. These results suggest that EMC protects AChR subunit from degradation and is required for ER homeostasis in metazoans in physiological conditions

Activity plays diverse roles in shaping neuronal development and function. These roles range from aiding in synaptic refinement to triggering cell death during traumatic brain injury. Though the importance of activity-dependent mechanisms is widely recognized, the genetic underpinnings of these processes have not been fully described. In this thesis, I use the motor circuit of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to explore the functional and morphological consequences of modulating neuronal activity. First, I used a gain-of-function ionotropic receptor to hyperactivate motor neurons and asked how increased excitation affects neuronal function. Through this work, I identified a cell death pathway triggered by excess activation of motor neurons. I also showed that suppression of cell body death failed to block motor axon destabilization, providing evidence that death of the cell body and of motor axons can be genetically separated. Secondly, I removed excitatory drive from a simple neural circuit and asked how loss of excitatory activity alters circuit development and function. I identified excitatory motor neurons as master regulators of inhibitory synaptic connectivity. Additionally, I was able to identify previously undescribed activity-dependent mechanisms for regulating inhibitory synapses in both developing and mature neural circuits. Finally, I show data to implicate the highly conserved genes neurexin and neuroligin in determining inhibitory synapse connectivity. Collectively this work has lent insight into activity-dependent mechanisms in place to regulate neuronal development and function, a core function of neurobiology that is relevant to the study of a wide range of neurological disorders.

Activity plays diverse roles in shaping neuronal development and function. These roles range from aiding in synaptic refinement to triggering cell death during traumatic brain injury. Though the importance of activity-dependent mechanisms is widely recognized, the genetic underpinnings of these processes have not been fully described. In this thesis, I use the motor circuit of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to explore the functional and morphological consequences of modulating neuronal activity. First, I used a gain-of-function ionotropic receptor to hyperactivate motor neurons and asked how increased excitation affects neuronal function. Through this work, I identified a cell death pathway triggered by excess activation of motor neurons. I also showed that suppression of cell body death failed to block motor axon destabilization, providing evidence that death of the cell body and of motor axons can be genetically separated. Secondly, I removed excitatory drive from a simple neural circuit and asked how loss of excitatory activity alters circuit development and function. I identified excitatory motor neurons as master regulators of inhibitory synaptic connectivity. Additionally, I was able to identify previously undescribed activity-dependent mechanisms for regulating inhibitory synapses in both developing and mature neural circuits. Finally, I show data to implicate the highly conserved genes neurexin and neuroligin in determining inhibitory synapse connectivity. Collectively this work has lent insight into activity-dependent mechanisms in place to regulate neuronal development and function, a core function of neurobiology that is relevant to the study of a wide range of neurological disorders.

Abstract Neurons are specialized cells that thought to be essential for the information-processing mechanisms in the brain. This chapter summarizes the basic functionality of neurons and outlines some of their fascinating biochemical processes. These include an outline of chemical synapses, the parametrization of the response of the postsynaptic membrane potential to synaptic events, the origin of action potentials and how they can be modelled using elegant differential equations introduced by Hodgkin and Huxley, generalizations of such conductance-based models, and compartmental models that incorporate the physical structure of neurons.The review in this chapter is intended to justify simplifications of following models and to mention some of the neuronal characteristics that may be relevant in future research.