Serotonin-containing neurons of C. elegans male revealed by serotonin antisera and rhodamine-conjugated secondary antibody. [Composite of scans from two slides taken by C. Ramirez; retouched and enhanced with Adobe Photoshop.] Click here for a figure identifying these cells.
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2 October 20062002 Nobel Prize for C. elegans Work by Brenner, Horvitz and Sulston
Our goal is to identify regulatory genes that control the expression of the neurotransmitter serotonin in specific neurons of C. elegans. We are using two approaches to this problem. The first approach is genetic, involving the isolation and characterization of mutants lacking serotonin. Serotonin-containing neurons control specific behaviors in the worm, so serotonin-deficient mutants have specific behavioral abnormalities. We are also interested in the roles that neurons play in controlling particular behaviors. The second approach is molecular, involving cloning of genes required for serotonin synthesis, transport and degradation. These are the genes acted upon by the regulators of serotonin expression. Analysis of the expression patterns of these genes in serotonin-deficient mutants should show how they are controlled. We are currently analyzing several cloned genes that encode enzymes that may be used for serotonin synthesis. Identification of additional genes expressed in serotonin neurons will aid in our understanding of neurotransmitter regulation.
We are also interested in the evolution of behavior and neuronal patterning in the nervous system. We have begun to examine the patterning of serotonergic neurons in a variety of related nematodes, and to examine the behaviors regulated by serotonin in those species, such as the experience-dependent regulation of locomotion. We have also recently begun to examine egg-laying in social vs. solitary strains of C. elegans, and intend to extend this examination to other species as well.
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C. elegans is one of the premier model organisms in biology today. One of the most comprehensive sources of information about "the worm" is the Caenorhabditis elegans WWW server at University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas), maintained by Leon Avery. This free-living soil nematode (roundworm) was the first multicellular organism for which scientists have obtained a complete genomic DNA sequence.
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