Disposition of the chemosensory neurons in the neurotransmitter-release mutantunc-13

Abstract

SummarySecretion of neurotransmitters- and neuropeptides-containing vesicles is a regulated process orchestrated by multiple proteins. Of these, mutants, defective in theunc-13andunc-31genes, responsible for neurotransmitter and neuropeptide release, respectively, are routinely used to elucidate neural and circuitry functions. While these mutants result in severe functional deficits, their neuroanatomy is assumed to be intact. Here, usingC. elegansas the model animal system, we find that the head sensory neurons show aberrant positional layout in neurotransmitter (unc-13), but not in neuropeptide (unc-31), release mutants. This finding suggests that synaptic activity may be important for proper cell migration during neurodevelopment and warrants considering possible anatomical defects when usingunc-13neurotransmitter release mutants.