Neuromedin U signaling regulates retrieval of learned salt avoidance in a C. elegans gustatory circuit

Jan Watteyne, Katleen Peymen, Petrus Van der Auwera, Charline Borghgraef, Elke Vandewyer, Sara Van Damme, Iene Rutten, Jeroen Lammertyn, Rob Jelier, Liliane Schoofs () and Isabel Beets ()
Additional contact information
Jan Watteyne: KU Leuven
Katleen Peymen: KU Leuven
Petrus Van der Auwera: KU Leuven
Charline Borghgraef: KU Leuven
Elke Vandewyer: KU Leuven
Sara Van Damme: KU Leuven
Iene Rutten: KU Leuven
Jeroen Lammertyn: KU Leuven
Rob Jelier: KU Leuven
Liliane Schoofs: KU Leuven
Isabel Beets: KU Leuven

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Learning and memory are regulated by neuromodulatory pathways, but the contribution and temporal requirement of most neuromodulators in a learning circuit are unknown. Here we identify the evolutionarily conserved neuromedin U (NMU) neuropeptide family as a regulator of C. elegans gustatory aversive learning. The NMU homolog CAPA-1 and its receptor NMUR-1 are required for the retrieval of learned salt avoidance. Gustatory aversive learning requires the release of CAPA-1 neuropeptides from sensory ASG neurons that respond to salt stimuli in an experience-dependent manner. Optogenetic silencing of CAPA-1 neurons blocks the expression, but not the acquisition, of learned salt avoidance. CAPA-1 signals through NMUR-1 in AFD sensory neurons to modulate two navigational strategies for salt chemotaxis. Aversive conditioning thus recruits NMU signaling to modulate locomotor programs for expressing learned avoidance behavior. Because NMU signaling is conserved across bilaterian animals, our findings incite further research into its function in other learning circuits.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15964-9

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