Reference - Detail
RRC ID | 6375 |
---|---|
Author | Hoerndli FJ, Walser M, Fröhli Hoier E, de Quervain D, Papassotiropoulos A, Hajnal A. |
Title | A conserved function of C. elegans CASY-1 calsyntenin in associative learning. |
Journal | PLoS One |
Abstract |
BACKGROUND:Whole-genome association studies in humans have enabled the unbiased discovery of new genes associated with human memory performance. However, such studies do not allow for a functional or causal testing of newly identified candidate genes. Since polymorphisms in Calsyntenin 2 (CLSTN2) showed a significant association with episodic memory performance in humans, we tested the C. elegans CLSTN2 ortholog CASY-1 for possible functions in the associative behavior of C. elegans. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Using three different associative learning paradigms and functional rescue experiments, we show that CASY-1 plays an important role during associative learning in C. elegans. Furthermore, neuronal expression of human CLSTN2 in C. elegans rescues the learning defects of casy-1 mutants. Finally, genetic interaction studies and neuron-specific expression experiments suggest that CASY-1 may regulate AMPA-like GLR-1 glutamate receptor signaling. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE:Our experiments demonstrate a remarkable conservation of the molecular function of Calsyntenins between nematodes and humans and point at a role of C. elegans casy-1 in regulating a glutamate receptor signaling pathway. |
Volume | 4(3) |
Pages | e4880 |
Published | 2009-1-1 |
DOI | 10.1371/journal.pone.0004880 |
PMID | 19287492 |
PMC | PMC2654071 |
MeSH | Animals Behavior, Animal Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology* Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology* Humans Learning / physiology* Mutation Receptors, AMPA / physiology |
IF | 2.74 |
Times Cited | 26 |
WOS Category | NEUROSCIENCES |
Resource | |
C.elegans | tm718 |