The role ofpolycystic kidney disease-likehomologs in planarian nervous system regeneration and function

Abstract

AbstractPlanarians are an excellent model for investigating molecular mechanisms necessary for regenerating a functional nervous system. Numerous studies have led to the generation of extensive genomic resources, especially whole-animal single-cell RNA-seq resources. These have facilitatedin silicopredictions of neuronal subtypes, many of which have been anatomically mapped by in situ hybridization. However, our knowledge of the function of dozens of neuronal subtypes remains poorly understood. Previous investigations identified thatpolycystic kidney disease (pkd)-likegenes in planarians are strongly expressed in sensory neurons and have roles in mechanosensation. Here, we examine the expression and function of all thepkdgenes found in theSchmidtea mediterraneagenome and map their expression in the asexual and hermaphroditic strains. Using custom behavioral assays, we test the function ofpkdgenes in response to mechanical stimulation and in food detection. Our work provides insight into the physiological function of sensory neuron populations and protocols for creating inexpensive automated setups for acquiring and analyzing mechanosensory stimulation in planarians.