# GABAergic Neuron Differentiation in C.elegans

> **NIH NIH R37** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2020 · $452,082

## Abstract

Throughout a lifetime of an organism synapse addition and elimination is on-going to ensure proper
function of neuronal circuits. Growing evidence have revealed complex interactions involving intrinsic
and extrinsic factors in synapse refinement with temporal and neuronal-type specificity. Studies using
C. elegans have continued to expand the understanding of molecular and genetic pathways with single-
synapse resolution. The locomotor circuit consists of several classes of excitatory cholinergic motor
neurons and two classes of GABAergic motor neurons, and is a highly tractable system to discover
mechanisms underlying synapse formation and refinement. Each neuron forms stereotyped pattern and
number of synapses, providing an accurate readout to examine how synapses are dynamically
regulated. Moreover, the development of the mature locomotor circuit involves a precisely timed
remodeling of the embryonically born GABAergic neurons, known as “DD synapse remodeling”, in the
absence of axonal morphological changes. We developed the first in vivo visualization approach to
examine DD synapse remodeling. In our recent studies, we have defined critical roles of microtubule
dynamics in promoting cargo and motor interaction in the formation of new synapses in DD remodeling.
Our findings underscore the concept that microtubules are not passive tracks but play an active role in
cellular signaling. In the specific Aim 1 of this renewal application we will leverage our expertise in
genetic pathway dissection with in vivo imaging of microtubule components to dissect the roles of a
novel kinase in DD synapse remodeling. In parallel, we have investigated the mechanisms regulating
the cholinergic neuron synapses, and have uncovered roles of inter-tissue interaction mediated by a
IgSF transmembrane domain protein ZIG-10. Our studies show that ZIG-10 regulates phagocytotic
pathway via a SRC kinase in the adjacent non-neuronal tissues. In specific Aim 2, we will tackle the
cellular action and the physiological impact of this pathway using innovative technologies. We will
further examine how neuronal activity regulates this pathway. In Aim 3, we will investigate the role of a
conserved MAGUK protein that may link the ZIG-10 pathway to phospholipid biosynthesis in synapse
maintenance. Genetic mutations of homologous molecules in human have been linked to various
neurological diseases. Together our findings will provide important insights to the underlying signaling
network and advance our knowledge in the understanding of human diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9889190
- **Project number:** 5R37NS035546-25
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Yishi Jin
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $452,082
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-07-18 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9889190

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9889190, GABAergic Neuron Differentiation in C.elegans (5R37NS035546-25). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9889190. Licensed CC0.

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