To Decipher the Role of Neuropeptides to Regulate Reversal Frequency in the Global Search Behaviour of C. elegans

Abstract

In C. elegans, during exploratory behavior the switch from local to global search for food is an important for survival and being mediated by the neuropeptides. Previous studies have shown that the FLP-18 neuropeptide is regulating the reversal frequency in global search behavior through NPR-4, one of its G protein coupled receptor . Here we are looking for receptors of FLP-18 and other probable neuropeptides that play role in neuromodulation of exploratory behavior. In our studies, we found FLP-1 and FLP-21 neuropeptides along with FLP-18 regulates reversal frequency during both local and global search of exploratory behavior. Furthermore, FLP-18 also functions through NPR-1 receptor along with NPR-4 receptor. The implication of these studies is that information ow through C. elegans circuits depends on neuromodulatory states.