# Discovery and analysis of the C. elegans neuronal gene expression network (CeNGEN)

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $1,353,606

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Decades of research have established that gene expression in the nervous system is highly specific and
dynamic. Different types of neurons express dramatically different genes and process RNAs to generate
different isoforms. At each developmental stage, neurons express complements of RNA that together drive
them along appropriate trajectories toward their ultimate fate. Similarly, in mature neurons, differential gene
expression and processing are key determinants of structure, function, and disease susceptibility. However,
although these phenomena are well established, a deep and broad analysis—involving genome-wide, nervous
system-wide data—is not available for any organism. Ideally one would like to know, across all neuron types
and all developmental stages, exactly how the genome is transcribed and processed into functional RNAs.
Such detailed and complete knowledge of differential gene expression within the nervous system would help
elucidate the logic and cellular mechanisms that generate neuronal diversity. Further, by comparing dynamic
differential gene expression across different sexes in all neuron types, the genetic basis of neuronal sexual
dimorphism can be elucidated. The C. elegans Neuronal Gene Expression Map & Network (CeNGEN) project
is a multi-lab consortium with the goal of understanding gene expression in the C. elegans nervous system.
Here, using a variety of RNAseq approaches, we propose to understand gene expression as neurons
differentiate and acquire sexual dimorphisms for every neuron type in the C. elegans nervous system, with
these Aims: Aim 1) Build and analyze a gene expression atlas for every neuron type at each stage of the
developmental lineage. Aim 2) Develop a gene expression atlas across sexes, identifying sexually dimorphic
gene expression in sex-shared neurons, as well as gene expression in sex-specific neurons. Aim 3) Describe
splicing patterns for all genes and all neuron types, and use this information to identify all instances of
differential alternative splicing. Aim 4) Generate and distribute analysis tools and data to the scientific
community. CeNGEN represents a paradigmatic advance in neurogenetics, and provides a unique opportunity
to elucidate the global control of neuron-specific gene expression and to relate developmental gene expression
and splicing to ultimate neuronal wiring and function. CeNGEN will also serve as a resource for future studies
in C. elegans neuroscience, and will provide a framework for addressing global differential gene expression in
more complex nervous systems that are currently not amenable to this comprehensive approach.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10608790
- **Project number:** 2R01NS100547-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MARC HAMMARLUND
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $1,353,606
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2017-09-25 → 2027-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10608790

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10608790, Discovery and analysis of the C. elegans neuronal gene expression network (CeNGEN) (2R01NS100547-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10608790. Licensed CC0.

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