Demonstrating Connections Between Neuron Signaling and Behavior using C. elegans Learning Assays and Optogenetics in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model organism for neuroscience due to its fully mapped connectome and simple neural circuitry.
• Understanding the relationship between neural signaling and observable behavior is crucial in neuroscience education.
• Traditional C. elegans behavior experiments can present challenges in undergraduate lab settings regarding cost, complexity, and data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce three practical and cost-effective behavior-based techniques for Caenorhabditis elegans research in undergraduate laboratory classes.
• To adapt existing behavioral assays for ease of implementation and flexible data collection suitable for student learning.
• To demonstrate the direct link between neuron signaling and behavioral outcomes using accessible experimental methods.

Main Methods:

• An associative chemosensory avoidance assay was employed to study the behavior of groups of C. elegans.
• A mechanosensory assay was utilized to observe the behavior of individual worms.
• An optogenetics assay allowed for direct manipulation of neuron signaling and simultaneous observation of resultant behaviors.

Main Results:

• The study successfully adapted and implemented three distinct behavioral assays for C. elegans in an undergraduate lab class setting.
• Example data collected by undergraduate students demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of these assays.
• Feedback from the FUN Workshop indicated positive reception and perceived value of these assays for neuroscience education.

Conclusions:

• The developed behavioral assays are well-suited for introducing fundamental neuroscience and behavior concepts to undergraduates.
• These methods provide hands-on experience in linking neural activity to observable behaviors in a model organism.
• The assays offer an accessible, cost-effective, and engaging approach to neuroscience education in laboratory courses.