Neurons and molecules involved in noxious light sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Ultraviolet (UV) light is dangerous to unpigmented organisms, inducing photodamage of cells and DNA. The transparent nematode Caenorhabditis elegans detects light and exhibits negative phototaxis in order to evade sunlight. UV absorption is detected by the photosensor protein LITE-1 that also responds to reactive oxygen species. We investigated which neurons express LITE-1 and act as noxious photosensors and how they transmit this sensation to the nervous system to evoke escape behavior. We identified the interneuron AVG as a main focus of LITE-1 function in mediating the noxious light-evoked escape behavior, with minor roles of the interneuron PVT, the sensory ASK neurons, and touch receptor neurons. AVG is activated by blue light, and also its optogenetic stimulation causes escape behavi

SUBMITTER: Dunkel E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12135013 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature