The AFD-expressed SRTX-1 GPCR does not contribute to AFD thermosensory functions.

Abstract

Temperature experience-regulated gene expression changes have been shown to underlie long-term adaptation of the response threshold of the AFD thermosensory neuron pair, and contribute to thermotaxis behavioral plasticity in C. elegans . We previously showed that the SRTX-1 GPCR is expressed primarily in AFD and is localized to their sensory endings. Here we find that SRTX-1 levels are regulated by the animal's temperature experience. However, loss or overexpression of srtx-1 does not affect thermotaxis behaviors or examined temperature-evoked calcium responses in AFD. Our observations suggest that SRTX-1 may modulate AFD responses and behavior under defined temperature conditions, or in response to specific environmental stimuli.