RRC ID 75932
Author Choi W, Ryu SE, Cheon Y, Park YJ, Kim S, Kim E, Koo J, Choi H, Moon C, Kim K.
Title A single chemosensory GPCR is required for a concentration-dependent behavioral switching in C. elegans.
Journal Curr Biol
Abstract Animals detect and discriminate countless environmental chemicals for their well-being and survival. Although a single chemical can trigger opposing behavioral responses depending on its concentration, the mechanisms underlying such a concentration-dependent switching remain poorly understood. Here, we show that C. elegans exhibits either attraction or avoidance of the bacteria-derived volatile chemical dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) depending on its concentration. This behavioral switching is mediated by two different types of chemosensory neurons, both of which express the DMTS-sensitive seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) SRI-14. These two sensory neurons share downstream interneurons that process and translate DMTS signals via distinct glutamate receptors to generate the appropriate behavioral outcome. Thus, our results present one mechanism by which an animal connects two distinct types of chemosensory neurons detecting a common ligand to alternate downstream circuitry, thus efficiently switching between specific behavioral programs based on ligand concentration.
Volume 32(2)
Pages 398-411.e4
Published 2022-1-24
DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.035
PII S0960-9822(21)01594-3
PMID 34906353
MeSH Animals Caenorhabditis elegans* / physiology Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism* Ligands Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics Receptors, Odorant / metabolism* Sensory Receptor Cells
Resource
C.elegans tm3506