Evolutionary convergence of a neural mechanism in the cavefish lateral line system.

ABSTRACT: Animals can evolve dramatic sensory functions in response to environmental constraints, but little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying these changes. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a leading model to study genetic, behavioral, and physiological evolution by comparing eyed surface populations and blind cave populations. We compared neurophysiological responses of posterior lateral line afferent neurons and motor neurons across A. mexicanus populations to reveal how shifts in sensory function may shape behavioral diversity. These studies indicate differences in intrinsic afferent signaling and gain control across populations. Elevated endogenous afferent activity identified a lower response threshold in the lateral line of blind cavefish relative to surfa

SUBMITTER: Lunsford ET 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9246366 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature