Nlr-1/CNTNAP regulates dopamine circuit structure and foraging behaviors in C. elegans.

ABSTRACT: The neurexin superfamily, consisting of neurexins and Casprs, play important roles in the development, maintenance, function, and plasticity of neuronal circuits. Caspr/CNTNAP genes are linked to alterations in neuronal circuits and associated with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. Casprs are implicated in multiple neuronal signaling pathways, including dopamine; however, the molecular mechanisms by which Casprs differentially alter specific signaling pathways and downstream behaviors are unclear. We find that the C. elegans Caspr nlr-1 functions in neurons to control foraging behaviors, acting in distinct monoamine neurons to modulate locomotor activity in the presence or absence of food. nlr-1 functions in dopamine neurons to reduce activity in the absence of food, sim

SUBMITTER: Bastien BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11447218 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature