Neurogenetic Analysis of C. elegans Developmental Decision-making

Citation

Chai, Cynthia Mei-Ling (2021) Neurogenetic Analysis of C. elegans Developmental Decision-making. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/r71f-nz93. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06012021-063721816

Abstract

How does the neuronal genome dictate cellular physiology and function, which in turn impacts organismal development? This is the central question driving all the projects in this thesis. Here, we leveraged the well-defined nervous system and genetics of Caenorhabditis elegans to apply this genes to neurons to phenotype experimental approach. In Chapter 2, we delineate how a pair of first order amphid interneurons integrates conspecific cues and propagates this information via neuropeptidergic pathways to influence larval developmental fate. In Chapter 3, we identify and characterize a role for the evolutionarily-conserved forkhead transcription factor FKH-7/FOXP in regulating sensory neuron function during developmental decision-making. Our results show that perturbations of single genes encoding transcription factors, neuropeptides, and receptors can significantly alter neuronal function and ultimately have profound effects on an organism’s life history.

Thesis Files