Stress-induced neurodegeneration and behavioral alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans: Insights into the evolutionary conservation of stress-related pathways and implications for human health.

Abstract

Stress is a significant determinant for a range of neurological and psychiatric illnesses, and comprehending its influence on the brain is vital for developing effective interventions. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a tiny nematode, has become a potent model system for investigating the impact of stress on neuronal integrity, behavior, and lifespan. This chapter presents a comprehensive summary of the existing understanding of stress-induced neurodegeneration, behavioral abnormalities, and changes in lifespan in C. elegans. We explored the stress response pathways in C. elegans, specifically focusing on the heat shock response and insulin-like signaling (ILS) pathway, targeting how these pathways affect neural integrity and functions. Additionally, this chapter highlighted behavioral modifications such as changes in locomotion, feeding, pharyngeal pumping, defecation, and copulation behaviors that occur in C. elegans following exposure to stressors, and how these findings contribute to our comprehension of stress-related illnesses. Furthermore, the evolutionary preservation of stress responses in both C. elegans and humans, underscoring the significance of C. elegans studies for translational research were highlighted. In conclusion, the possible implications of C. elegans research on human well-being, with a specific emphasis on the discovery of targets for treatment and the creation of innovative approaches to address stress-related conditions are discussed in this chapter.