In vivo genetic dissection of O2-evoked cGMP dynamics in a Caenorhabditis elegans gas sensor.

ABSTRACT: cGMP signaling is widespread in the nervous system. However, it has proved difficult to visualize and genetically probe endogenously evoked cGMP dynamics in neurons in vivo. Here, we combine cGMP and Ca(2+) biosensors to image and dissect a cGMP signaling network in a Caenorhabditis elegans oxygen-sensing neuron. We show that a rise in O2 can evoke a tonic increase in cGMP that requires an atypical O2-binding soluble guanylate cyclase and that is sustained until oxygen levels fall. Increased cGMP leads to a sustained Ca(2+) response in the neuron that depends on cGMP-gated ion channels. Elevated levels of cGMP and Ca(2+) stimulate competing negative feedback loops that shape cGMP dynamics. Ca(2+)-dependent negative feedback loops, including activation of phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE-1), dampen

SUBMITTER: Couto A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3761592 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature