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
Credit: Can Wang, Elizabeth A. Ronan, Adam J. Iliff, Rawan Al-Ebidi, Panagiota Kitsopoulos, Karl Grosh, Jianfeng Liu, X.Z. Shawn Xu
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).
Journal
Biophysics Reports
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Characterization of auditory sensation in C. elegans
Article Publication Date
1-Dec-2024