<em>In Vivo </em>Imaging of Dauer-specific Neuronal Remodeling in <em>C. elegans</em>

Nathan E. Schroeder; Kristen M. Flatt

doi:10.3791/51834

In-vivo-Imaging von Dauer-spezifische neuronale Remodeling in C. elegans

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Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

In Vivo Imaging of Dauer-specific Neuronal Remodeling in C. elegans

In-vivo-Imaging von Dauer-spezifische neuronale Remodeling in C. elegans

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09:39 min

September 4, 2014

DOI: 10.3791/51834-v

Nathan E. Schroeder¹, Kristen M. Flatt¹

¹Department of Crop Sciences,University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Overview

This study focuses on imaging the remodeling of sensory neurons in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans during the dauer stage, which is induced by environmental stressors. The methods presented allow for the controlled induction of dauer and subsequent live imaging to observe neuroplasticity.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Neuroplasticity
Developmental Biology

Background

Caenorhabditis elegans can enter a stress-resistant dauer stage.
This stage is characterized by significant phenotypic plasticity.
Understanding neuroplasticity in this context can provide insights into neuronal responses to environmental changes.
Live imaging techniques are crucial for observing these changes in real-time.

Purpose of Study

To image the remodeling of sensory neurons during the dauer stage.
To understand how environmental stressors influence neuronal structure.
To contribute to the broader understanding of neuroplasticity mechanisms.

Methods Used

Extraction of crude dauer pheromone from liquid culture.
Measurement of the potency of the crude pheromone.
Induction of dauer formation in animals expressing GFP in IL2 neurons.
Live imaging of dendrite arborization during the dauer stage.

Main Results

Successful induction of dauer formation using crude pheromone.
Visualization of sensory neuron remodeling in response to environmental conditions.
Demonstration of dendrite arborization during the dauer stage.
Insights into the mechanisms of neuroplasticity in C. elegans.

Conclusions

The methods developed provide a framework for studying neuroplasticity in C. elegans.
Findings enhance understanding of neuronal adaptations to stress.
This research could inform broader studies on neuroplasticity across species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dauer stage in C. elegans?

The dauer stage is a stress-resistant juvenile stage that C. elegans can enter in response to unfavorable environmental conditions.

How is neuroplasticity measured in this study?

Neuroplasticity is measured through live imaging of sensory neuron remodeling during the dauer stage.

What role does the crude dauer pheromone play?

The crude dauer pheromone is used to induce the formation of the dauer stage in C. elegans.

Why is GFP used in the experiments?

GFP is used to visualize specific neurons (IL2) during the imaging process, allowing for detailed observation of their remodeling.

What implications does this research have?

This research provides insights into how neurons adapt to environmental stress, which can have broader implications for understanding neuroplasticity in other organisms.

Nach Exposition gegenüber spezifischen Umweltstressoren erfährt der Fadenwurm Caenorhabditis elegans eine umfangreiche phänotypische Plastizität, um in ein stressresistentes 'Dauer'-Jugendstadium überzugehen. Wir stellen Methoden zur kontrollierten Induktion und Bildgebung der Neuroplastizität während der Dauer vor.

Das übergeordnete Ziel dieses Verfahrens ist es, den spezifischen Umbau sensorischer Neuronen in der maritimen Eleganz abzubilden. Dies wird erreicht, indem zunächst rohes mürrisches Pheromon aus Flüssigkulturen extrahiert wird. Der zweite Schritt besteht darin, die Potenz des rohen Pheromons zu messen.

Als nächstes wird das Pheromon verwendet, um die Dour-Bildung im Tier zu induzieren, das GFP in den beiden IL-Neuronen exprimiert. Der letzte Schritt besteht darin, das Tier während der DMT-Phase auf den Objektträger zu montieren und eine Live-Bildgebung durchzuführen, um die Dendritenverbarrung zu zeigen. Diese Methode kann helfen, Schlüsselfragen auf dem Gebiet der Neuroplastizität zu beantworten, z. B. wie sich Neuronen als Reaktion auf Umweltbedingungen umgestalten.

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