CREB Regulates Expression of Neuropeptide FLP-18 and Controls Backward Movement

Abstract

CREB is a transcription factor. CREB is known to regulate expression of various genes involved in different functions. We found that CREB regulates expression of neuropeptide FLP-18 in C.elegans. FLP-18 is known to effect backward movement in C.elegans. Further we go on to show that CREB controls length of backward movement in C.elegans. Mutation in CREB homolog crh-1 resulted in decreased length of backward movement. This phenotype was rescued by expressing repressor isoform of CREB, CRH-1f in crh-1 mutants. These results suggests that CREB regulate FLP-18 expression and length of backward movement during exploratory behavior in C.elegans