Dataset Information

Neural Architecture of Hunger-Dependent Multisensory Decision Making in C. elegans.

ABSTRACT: Little is known about how animals integrate multiple sensory inputs in natural environments to balance avoidance of danger with approach to things of value. Furthermore, the mechanistic link between internal physiological state and threat-reward decision making remains poorly understood. Here we confronted C. elegans worms with the decision whether to cross a hyperosmotic barrier presenting the threat of desiccation to reach a source of food odor. We identified a specific interneuron that controls this decision via top-down extrasynaptic aminergic potentiation of the primary osmosensory neurons to increase their sensitivity to the barrier. We also establish that food deprivation increases the worm's willingness to cross the dangerous barrier by suppressing this pathway. These studies reveal a potentially general neural circuit architecture for internal state control of threat-reward decision making.

SUBMITTER: Ghosh DD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5147516 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Neural Architecture of Hunger-Dependent Multisensory Decision Making in C. elegans.

Ghosh D Dipon DD Sanders Tom T Hong Soonwook S McCurdy Li Yan LY Chase Daniel L DL Cohen Netta N Koelle Michael R MR Nitabach Michael N MN

Neuron 20161117 5

Little is known about how animals integrate multiple sensory inputs in natural environments to balance avoidance of danger with approach to things of value. Furthermore, the mechanistic link between internal physiological state and threat-reward decision making remains poorly understood. Here we confronted C. elegans worms with the decision whether to cross a hyperosmotic barrier presenting the threat of desiccation to reach a source of food odor. We identified a specific interneuron that contro ...[more]

PMID: 27866800

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Dataset Information

Neural Architecture of Hunger-Dependent Multisensory Decision Making in C. elegans.

Publications

Neural Architecture of Hunger-Dependent Multisensory Decision Making in C. elegans.

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