Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
08:15
Bead Aggregation Assays for the Characterization of Putative Cell Adhesion Molecules
Published on: October 17, 2014
10.6K
Experience-dependent, sexually dimorphic synaptic connectivity defined by sex-specific cadherin expression
Chien-Po Liao1, Maryam Majeed1,2, Oliver Hobert1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|May 20, 2024
Summary
Juvenile starvation in male C. elegans disrupts serotonin signaling, altering synaptic connections. This experience shapes sexually dimorphic neural circuits through transcription factors like CREB and LIN-29.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism in neural circuits is crucial for sex-specific behaviors.
- Early life experiences can permanently alter neural connectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic synaptic connectivity in C. elegans.
- To investigate how juvenile experience, specifically starvation, influences neural development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serotonin signaling pathways and transcription factor activity (CREB, LIN-29) in C. elegans.
- Molecular analysis of FMI-1/Flamingo (atypical cadherin) expression and function.
- Genetic manipulation to assess the role of specific genes in synaptic development.
Main Results:
- Juvenile male starvation disrupts CREB activation in the PHB neuron.
- CREB signaling antagonizes FMI-1/Flamingo expression in males, establishing dimorphic PHB-AVA connectivity.
- LIN-29 acts as a key regulator integrating multiple factors to control this dimorphism.
Conclusions:
- Early juvenile experience, such as starvation, profoundly impacts adult synaptic connectivity in a sex-specific manner.
- A molecular cascade involving serotonin, CREB, LIN-29, and FMI-1/Flamingo mediates the establishment of sexually dimorphic neural circuits.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Structure of Cadherins
3.3K
The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This...
3.3K
01:19Cadherins in Tissue Organization
3.0K
The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
3.0K
01:23Catenins
2.3K
Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the...
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the...
2.3K
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
8.5K
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
8.5K
02:50Dosage Compensation
6.2K
In animals, gender is determined by the number and type of sex chromosome. For example, human females have two X chromosomes, and males have one X and one Y chromosome, whereas C.elegans with one X chromosome is a male, and the one with two X chromosomes is a hermaphrodite.
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will...
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will...
6.2K
01:05Desmosomes
5.3K
The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein...
5.3K