Molecular encoding of stimulus features in a single sensory neuron type enables neuronal and behavioral plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Neurons modify their transcriptomes in response to an animal's experience. How specific experiences are transduced to modulate gene expression and precisely tune neuronal functions are not fully defined. Here, we describe the molecular profile of a thermosensory neuron pair in C. elegans experiencing different temperature stimuli. We find that distinct salient features of the temperature stimulus, including its duration, magnitude of change, and absolute value, are encoded in the gene expression program in this single neuron type, and we identify a novel transmembrane protein and a transcription factor whose specific transcriptional dynamics are essential to drive neuronal, behavioral, and developmental plasticity. Expression changes are driven by broadly expressed activity-dependent trans

SUBMITTER: Harris N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10133190 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature