The Doublesex/Mab-3 Domain Transcription Factor DMD-10 Regulates ASH-dependent Behavioral Responses

The Doublesex/Mab-3 Domain transcription factor DMD-10 is expressed in several cell types in , including in the nervous system. We sought to investigate whether DMD-10 is required for normal neuronal function using behavioral assays. We found that mutation of did not broadly affect behavior. mutants were normal in several behavioral assays including a body bends assay for locomotion, egg laying, chemotaxis and response to gentle touch to the body. mutants did have defects in nose-touch responsiveness, which requires the glutamate receptor GLR-1. However, using quantitative fluorescence microscopy to measure levels of a GLR-1::GFP fusion protein in the ventral nerve cord, we found no evidence supporting a difference in the number of GLR-1 synapses or in the amount of GLR-1 present in mutants. mutants did have decreased responsiveness to high osmolarity, which, along with nose-touch, is sensed by the polymodal sensory neuron ASH. Furthermore, mutation of impaired behavioral response to optogenetic activation of ASH, suggesting that promotes neuronal signaling in ASH downstream of sensory receptor activation. Together our results suggest that DMD-10 is important in regulating the frequency of multiple ASH-dependent behavioral responses.