A complete biomechanical model of Hydra contractile behaviors, from neural drive to muscle to movement.

ABSTRACT: How does neural activity drive muscles to produce behavior? The recent development of genetic lines in Hydra that allow complete calcium imaging of both neuronal and muscle activity, as well as systematic machine learning quantification of behaviors, makes this small cnidarian an ideal model system to understand and model the complete transformation from neural firing to body movements. To achieve this, we have built a neuromechanical model of Hydra's fluid-filled hydrostatic skeleton, showing how drive by neuronal activity activates distinct patterns of muscle activity and body column biomechanics. Our model is based on experimental measurements of neuronal and muscle activity and assumes gap junctional coupling among muscle cells and calcium-dependent force generation by mu

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10089167 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature