Nervous system reprogramming by flexible neuropeptidergic networks

This fundamental biological research project investigates how aversive stimuli are molecularly encoded in the nervous system and reprogram behavior, using the invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Our working hypothesis is that aversive challenge recruits a network of neuropeptide signaling pathways that is sculpted by experience and mediates diverse acute and long-lasting behavioral responses. We will test this hypothesis on the small and well-described oxygen-sensing circuit of the nematode model organism C. elegans. Because neuropeptidergic networks are highly complex, such a controlled context for pioneering research on their role in coding aversive challenge is preferable. First, we will develop tools for the in vivo reporting of neuropeptide receptor activation in living animals, which will allow conceptual advancements with unprecedented detail. Pertinent questions we will then address include: 'How is neuropeptide activity sculpted by aversive experience?'; ‘How do cellular networks respond to changes in neuropeptidergic network activities?’; ‘What are behavioral implications of neuropeptidergic network activity upon aversive challenge?'; and ‘Do neuropeptidergic networks contribute to cross-modal plasticity in neural circuits?' We expect that on the long term, this project will impact our understanding of how flexible peptidergic circuits influence and organize habituation, learning, forgetting and modus operandi of nervous systems in general.