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Sensation in a single neuron pair represses male behavior in hermaphrodites.


ABSTRACT: Pheromones elicit innate sex-specific mating behaviors in many species. We demonstrate that in C. elegans, male-specific sexual attraction behavior is programmed in both sexes but repressed in hermaphrodites. Repression requires a single sensory neuron pair, the ASIs. To repress attraction in adults, the ASIs must be present, active, and capable of sensing the environment during development. The ASIs release TGF-?, and ASI function can be bypassed by experimental activation of TGF-? signaling. Sexual attraction in derepressed hermaphrodites requires the same sensory neurons as in males. The sexual identity of both these sensory neurons and a distinct subset of interneurons must be male to relieve repression and release attraction. TGF-? may therefore act to change connections between sensory neurons and interneurons during development to engage repression. Thus, sensation in a single sensory neuron pair during development reprograms a common neural circuit from male to female behavior.

SUBMITTER: White JQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3475325 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Sensation in a single neuron pair represses male behavior in hermaphrodites.

White Jamie Q JQ   Jorgensen Erik M EM  

Neuron 20120801 4


Pheromones elicit innate sex-specific mating behaviors in many species. We demonstrate that in C. elegans, male-specific sexual attraction behavior is programmed in both sexes but repressed in hermaphrodites. Repression requires a single sensory neuron pair, the ASIs. To repress attraction in adults, the ASIs must be present, active, and capable of sensing the environment during development. The ASIs release TGF-β, and ASI function can be bypassed by experimental activation of TGF-β signaling. S  ...[more]

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