# Chemosensation of death conspecifics modulates neural signaling and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2022 · $39,531

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
All animals rely on sensory systems to detect and respond to environmental and behavioral cues. In most
animals, this sensory information is perceived and processed by different sensory neurons, allowing animals to
respond appropriately to maximize health- and lifespan. However, a detailed understanding of the underlying
cues and mechanisms by which the sensory nervous system regulates lifespan and aging remains largely
unknown. Addressing these gaps in knowledge is imperative to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the
impact of sensory perception on lifespan regulation. The goal of my project is to identify the neurons and
signaling mechanisms by which the perception of dead conspecifics regulates behavior and lifespan in
Caenorhabditis elegans. My preliminary work using C. elegans shows that exposure to dead conspecifics
result in 1) aversive behavior and 2) shortened lifespan. My studies also suggest that dead conspecifics
release “death cues” that are detected by olfactory neurons. My central hypothesis is that detection of
intracellular metabolites released by dead conspecifics are recognized by amphid olfactory neurons AWB
and/or ASH, promoting a GPCR-dependent signaling cascade leading to the observed aversive behavior and
lifespan shortening. The objective of Aim 1 is to identify the sensory, inter-, and motor neurons required and
sufficient for death perception in C. elegans. Aim 2 will define the molecular mechanisms translating death
perception to behavioral changes and shortened lifespans. The proposed research will provide new
fundamental knowledge into the role of sensory perception in the regulation of aging. This may represent the
first step towards uncovering novel therapeutic targets capitalizing on the sensory perception – aging
relationship.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10465326
- **Project number:** 1F31DC020397-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Mirella Hernandez
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $39,531
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10465326

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10465326, Chemosensation of death conspecifics modulates neural signaling and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans (1F31DC020397-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10465326. Licensed CC0.

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