Pharming for Genes in Neurotransmission: Combining Chemical and Genetic Approaches in Caenorhabditis Elegans

Overview

Journal ACS Chem Neurosci

Publisher American Chemical Society

Specialty Neurology

Date 2018 Feb 13

PMID 29432681

Citations 6

Authors

Stephen M Blazie

Yishi Jin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Synaptic transmission is central to nervous system function. Chemical and genetic screens are valuable approaches to probe synaptic mechanisms in living animals. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a prime system to apply these methods to discover genes and dissect the cellular pathways underlying neurotransmission. Here, we review key approaches to understand neurotransmission and the action of psychiatric drugs in C. elegans. We start with early studies on cholinergic excitatory signaling at the neuromuscular junction, and move into mechanisms mediated by biogenic amines. Finally, we discuss emerging work toward understanding the mechanisms driving synaptic plasticity with a focus on regulation of protein translation.

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