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Mechanosensitive body-brain interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans
Michael Krieg1, Aleksandra Pidde1, Ravi Das1
1Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology, ICFO - Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels (Barcelona) 08860, Spain.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|June 10, 2022
Summary
Specialized sensory cells and neurons signal organ deformation to the brain, enabling robust control of body movements and organ function. This feedback mechanism ensures physiological setpoints are maintained despite disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Proprioception and visceral mechanosensation are crucial for sensing body position and organ deformation.
- Internal organ morphodynamics involve periodic cycles with stable amplitudes, maintained robustly against perturbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in visceral mechanosensation and proprioception using Caenorhabditis elegans.
- To explore how C. elegans models can illuminate body-brain interactions in mammals.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on mechanosensation in C. elegans.
- Comparative analysis of mechanosensory feedback mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Internal feedback mechanisms involving sensory cells and neurons are key to maintaining physiological robustness.
- These mechanisms signal mechanical deformation from organs to the brain, adjusting function to setpoints.
Conclusions:
- C. elegans serves as a valuable model for studying mechanosensory body-brain interactions.
- Understanding these interactions in C. elegans can provide insights into mammalian physiology.
