State-Dependent Modulation of Neuronal Circuits in C. elegans Sleep

Author: Cho, Julie YoungHee

Year: 2013

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Sternberg, Paul W.

Committee Members: Anderson, David J.; Prober, David A.; Konishi, Masakazu; Siapas, Athanassios G.; Sternberg, Paul W.

Option: Biology

DOI: 10.7907/Z9028PF1

Abstract

C. elegans is a compact system of 302 neurons with identifiable and mapped connections that makes it ideal for systems analysis. This work is a demonstration of what I have been able to learn about the nature of state-specific modulation and reversibility during a state called lethargus, a sleep-like state in the worm. I begin with description about the nervous system of the worm, the nature of sleep in the worm, the questions about behavior and its apparent circuit properties, the tools available and used to manipulate the nervous system, and what I have been able to learn from these studies. I end with clues that the physiology helps to teach us about the dynamics of state specific modulation, what makes sleep so different from other states, and how we can use these measurements to understand which modulators, neurotransmitters, and channels can be used to create different dynamics in a simple model system.

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