Sensory receptors and channels in C. elegans: what can't a worm sense? - Shawn Xu

Stanford Neurosciences Institute Seminar Series Presents

Sensory receptors and channels in C. elegans: what can't a worm sense?  Shawn Xu, PhD Bernard W. Agranoff Collegiate Professor in Life Sciences, Professor in Molecular &Integrative Physiology Resear Professor Life Sciences Institute,University of Michigan Medical School

Host: Kang Shen

Abstract

The environment has a profound impact on animal behavior and physiology.  The ability to sense environmental cues to adjust behavior is essential for the survival and quality of life.  We are particularly interested in understanding how neurons detect and transduce a wide variety of sensory stimuli, such as chemicals, mechanical forces, light and temperature, to generate behavioral output, and how gene networks (e.g. receptors, ion channels and signaling molecules) regulate these processes.  The sensory environment not only regulates an animal’s behavior but also its physiology, for example, aging and longevity.  We are also interested in understanding how sensory cues regulate lifespan.  To address these questions, we use the genetic model organism C. elegans because of its simple and well characterized nervous system.  We take a multidisciplinary approach combining functional imaging, molecular genetics, behavioral analysis, and electrophysiology.