Perception of Dead Conspecifics modulates neural signaling and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

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Project Abstract All animals rely on sensory systems to detect and respond to environmental and behavioral cues. In most animals, this sensory information is perceived and processed by different sensory neurons, allowing animals to respond appropriately to maximize health- and lifespan. However, a detailed understanding of the underlying cues and mechanisms by which the sensory nervous system regulates health- and lifespan remains largely unknown. Addressing these gaps in knowledge is imperative to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of sensory perception on overall health. My preliminary work in Caenorhabditis elegans shows that exposure to dead conspecifics result in 1) aversive behavior and 2) impaired lifespan. My studies also suggest that dead conspecifics release “death cues” that are detected by the olfactory neurons. Given my findings, the long-term objective of this research is to understand how death perception regulates animal’s physiology, health- and lifespan. In preliminary work, I have identified the sensory neurons and neurotransmitters required for death perception in C. elegans (Aim 1). My central hypothesis is that detection of intracellular metabolites released by dead conspecifics are recognized by amphid olfactory neurons AWB and/or ASH, promoting a cGMP-dependent signaling cascade leading to the observed aversive behavior and lifespan shortening. The objective of this project is to identify the neuronal circuitry and neuronal activity status involved in death perception in C. elegans (Aim 2). As a postdoctoral fellow, in Aim 3 I plan to expand on my previous training in sensory perception and stress to investigate how early-life stress may alter neuronal circuits involved in sensory perception, stress resilience, and mood-related disorders. The proposed research will provide new fundamental knowledge into the role of sensory perception in the regulation of both health-and lifespan.