# Perception of Dead Conspecifics modulates neural signaling and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

> **NIH NIH F99** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $43,555

## 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 health- and lifespan remains largely
unknown. Addressing these gaps in knowledge is imperative to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the
impact of sensory perception on overall health. My preliminary work in Caenorhabditis elegans shows that
exposure to dead conspecifics result in 1) aversive behavior and 2) impaired lifespan. My studies also suggest
that dead conspecifics release “death cues” that are detected by the olfactory neurons. Given my findings, the
long-term objective of this research is to understand how death perception regulates animal’s physiology,
health- and lifespan. In preliminary work, I have identified the sensory neurons and neurotransmitters required
for death perception in C. elegans (Aim 1). 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
cGMP-dependent signaling cascade leading to the observed aversive behavior and lifespan shortening. The
objective of this project is to identify the neuronal circuitry and neuronal activity status involved in death
perception in C. elegans (Aim 2). As a postdoctoral fellow, in Aim 3 I plan to expand on my previous training in
sensory perception and stress to investigate how early-life stress may alter neuronal circuits involved in
sensory perception, stress resilience, and mood-related disorders. The proposed research will provide new
fundamental knowledge into the role of sensory perception in the regulation of both health-and lifespan.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10933017
- **Project number:** 5F99NS135768-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Mirella Hernandez
- **Activity code:** F99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $43,555
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-29 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10933017

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10933017, Perception of Dead Conspecifics modulates neural signaling and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans (5F99NS135768-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10933017. Licensed CC0.

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