Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans
en-GBde-DEes-ESfr-FR

Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans

28/02/2025 Frontiers Journals

This study investigates the auditory sensation in the nematode C. elegans, demonstrating that these worms are capable of sensing and responding to airborne sound. The research outlines methods to characterize three key features of C. elegans auditory sensation:

1. Sound-evoked skin vibration: Airborne sound physically vibrates the worm’s external cuticle, which is quantified using laser Doppler vibrometry. This vibration activates the sound-sensitive mechanosensory neurons FLP/PVD.

2. Neuronal activation: The activation of FLP/PVD neurons is detected through calcium imaging using the genetically encoded indicator GCaMP6f and mCherry. This method allows for monitoring of neuronal activity in response to sound stimuli in both freely moving and immobilized worms.

3. Behavior: C. elegans exhibit phonotaxis behavior, moving away from the source of sound. This behavior is quantified by observing the worms’ avoidance of sound pulses directed at their head or tail.

The study highlights the importance of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) DES-2/DEG-3 in auditory transduction, as worms lacking this receptor show deficits in both behavior and neuronal activation in response to sound.

This research provides a comprehensive framework for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying auditory sensation and mechanotransduction in C. elegans. By utilizing this model organism, further insights into the evolution and function of hearing in the animal kingdom can be gained.

The work entitled “Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans” was published on Biophysics Reports (published on December, 2024).
DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2024.240027

https://journal.hep.com.cn/br/EN/10.52601/bpr.2024.240027
Reference:Can Wang, Elizabeth A. Ronan, Adam J. Iliff, Rawan Al-Ebidi, Panagiota Kitsopoulos, Karl Grosh, Jianfeng Liu, X.Z. Shawn Xu. 2024: Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans. Biophysics Reports: 1-13. DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2024.240027
http://www.biophysics-reports.org/article/doi/10.52601/bpr.2024.240027
Attached files
  • Image:  Overview of the sound delivery system for assaying C. elegans auditory responses. A Schematic describing the custom sound delivery system used to examine worm auditory responses. The sound generator (here, computer) is connected to a speaker mounted on a micromanipulator. This enables precise adjustments of the speaker opening towards the target. The speaker output port is fitted with a short length of 1/8” PVC tubing to restrict the speaker opening size, which can be further modified via the attachment of a shortened p2 pipette tip (trimmed to the desired opening size) to the open end of the tubing. The system is designed for use with a stereomicroscope to monitor worm behavior. The inset depicts the recommended distance and angle for positioning the speaker opening towards the worm. B Snapshot image showing the sound delivering system positioned above the stereomicroscope field of view. The micromanipulator base is mounted on a wooden block to facilitate positioning the speaker at the base of the stereomicroscope field of view. C Inset from Panel B, depicting a zoomed-in snapshot image of the speaker tip positioned above the NGM testing plate. The speaker tip is held 1 mm above the NGM surface at a 45° angle
28/02/2025 Frontiers Journals
Regions: Asia, China
Keywords: Science, Life Sciences

Disclaimer: AlphaGalileo is not responsible for the accuracy of content posted to AlphaGalileo by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the AlphaGalileo system.

Testimonials

For well over a decade, in my capacity as a researcher, broadcaster, and producer, I have relied heavily on Alphagalileo.
All of my work trips have been planned around stories that I've found on this site.
The under embargo section allows us to plan ahead and the news releases enable us to find key experts.
Going through the tailored daily updates is the best way to start the day. It's such a critical service for me and many of my colleagues.
Koula Bouloukos, Senior manager, Editorial & Production Underknown
We have used AlphaGalileo since its foundation but frankly we need it more than ever now to ensure our research news is heard across Europe, Asia and North America. As one of the UK’s leading research universities we want to continue to work with other outstanding researchers in Europe. AlphaGalileo helps us to continue to bring our research story to them and the rest of the world.
Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Media Relations at the University of Warwick
AlphaGalileo has helped us more than double our reach at SciDev.Net. The service has enabled our journalists around the world to reach the mainstream media with articles about the impact of science on people in low- and middle-income countries, leading to big increases in the number of SciDev.Net articles that have been republished.
Ben Deighton, SciDevNet

We Work Closely With...

  • BBC
  • The Times
  • National Geographic
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • University of Cambridge
  • iesResearch
Copyright 2025 by AlphaGalileo Terms Of Use Privacy Statement