Deciphering the underlying mechanisms of the pharyngeal pumping motions in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: The pharynx of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a neuromuscular organ that exhibits typical pumping motions, which result in the intake of food particles from the environment. In-depth inspection reveals slightly different dynamics at the various pharyngeal areas, rather than synchronous pumping motions of the whole organ, which are important for its effective functioning. While the different pumping dynamics are well characterized, the underlying mechanisms that generate them are not known. In this study, the C. elegans pharynx was modeled in a bottom-up fashion, including all of the underlying biological processes that lead to, and including, its end function, food intake. The mathematical modeling of all processes allowed performing comprehensive, quantitative analys

SUBMITTER: Sherman D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10873627 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature