Ca2+ signaling via the neuronal calcium sensor-1 regulates associative learning and memory in C. elegans.
On a radial temperature gradient, C. elegans worms migrate, after conditioning with food, toward their cultivation temperature and move along this isotherm. This experience-dependent behavior is called isothermal tracking (IT). Here we show that the neuron-specific calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) is essential for optimal IT. ncs-1 knockout animals show major defects in IT behavior, although their chemotactic, locomotor, and thermal avoidance behaviors are normal. The knockout phenotype can be rescued by reintroducing wild-type NCS-1 into the AIY interneuron, a key component of the thermotaxis network. A loss-of-function form of NCS-1 incapable of binding calcium does not restore IT, whereas NCS-1 overexpression enhances IT performance levels, accelerates learning (faster acquisition), and produces a memory with slower extinction. Thus, proper calcium signaling via NCS-1 defines a novel pathway essential for associative learning and memory.
Gomez
M
M
Department of Central Nervous System, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
De Castro
E
E
Guarin
E
E
Sasakura
H
H
Kuhara
A
A
Mori
I
I
Bartfai
T
T
Bargmann
C I
CI
Nef
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009154:Mutation / Q000502:physiology; D009420:Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D051580:Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D013697:Thermosensing / Q000235:genetics
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D051580:Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; C101464:frequenin calcium sensor proteins