AutoEPG: software for the analysis of electrical activity in the microcircuit underpinning feeding behaviour of Caenorhabditis elegans.
BACKGROUND
The pharyngeal microcircuit of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a model for analysing neural network activity and is amenable to electrophysiological recording techniques. One such technique is the electropharyngeogram (EPG) which has provided insight into the genetic basis of feeding behaviour, neurotransmission and muscle excitability. However, the detailed manual analysis of the digital recordings necessary to identify subtle differences in activity that reflect modulatory changes within the underlying network is time consuming and low throughput. To address this we have developed an automated system for the high-throughput and discrete analysis of EPG recordings (AutoEPG).


RESULTS
AutoEPG employs a tailor made signal processing algorithm that automatically detects different features of the EPG signal including those that report on the relaxation and contraction of the muscle and neuronal activity. Manual verification of the detection algorithm has demonstrated AutoEPG is capable of very high levels of accuracy. We have further validated the software by analysing existing mutant strains with known pharyngeal phenotypes detectable by the EPG. In doing so, we have more precisely defined an evolutionarily conserved role for the calcium-dependent potassium channel, SLO-1, in modulating the rhythmic activity of neural networks.


CONCLUSIONS
AutoEPG enables the consistent analysis of EPG recordings, significantly increases analysis throughput and allows the robust identification of subtle changes in the electrical activity of the pharyngeal nervous system. It is anticipated that AutoEPG will further add to the experimental tractability of the C. elegans pharynx as a model neural circuit.
Dillon
James
J
School of Biological Sciences, Bassett Crescent East, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom. jcd@soton.ac.uk
Andrianakis
Ioannis
I
Bull
Kate
K
Glautier
Steve
S
O'Connor
Vincent
V
Holden-Dye
Lindy
L
James
Christopher
C
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000502:physiology*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010614:Pharynx / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012984:Software
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; C494845:slo-1 protein, C elegans