Neural Sequences Underlying Directed Turning in C. elegans
Name
kramer-tkramer-phd-biology-2025-thesis .pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
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8.23 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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b35da5321c4064ce3911ceb5f62362b9
Author(s)
Kramer, Talya
Advisor(s)
Flavell, Steven W.
Date Issued
May 2025
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Complex behaviors like navigation rely on sequenced motor outputs that combine to generate effective movement. The brain-wide organization of the circuits that integrate sensory signals to select and execute appropriate motor sequences is not well understood. Here, we characterize the architecture of neural circuits that control C. elegans olfactory navigation. We identify error-correcting turns during navigation and use whole-brain calcium imaging and cell-specific perturbations to determine their neural underpinnings. These turns occur as motor sequences accompanied by neural sequences, in which defined neurons activate in a stereotyped order during each turn. Distinct neurons in this sequence respond to sensory cues, anticipate upcoming turn directions, and drive movement, linking key features of this sensorimotor behavior across time. The neuromodulator tyramine coordinates these sequential brain dynamics. Our results illustrate how neuromodulation can act on a defined neural architecture to generate sequential patterns of activity that link sensory cues to motor actions.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biology
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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
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