A novel role of Arp2/3 complex in the forgetting behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans to Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14.

Abstract

Forgetting behavior is a common phenomenon that has been widely studied in various model organisms, including Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), Drosophila, and mammals such as mice and humans. Understanding the mechanisms underlying forgetting can provide valuable insights into potential treatments for memory-related disorders. In this study, C. elegans was used as a model organism to establish a forgetting model based on the PA14 pathogen. A proteomic analysis of signaling pathways involved in forgetting revealed the role of the Arp2/3 complex in regulating pathogen-induced forgetting. Manipulation of genes encoding the components of the Arp2/3 complex (arx-1, arx-2, arx-3, arx-5, and arx-7) led to a reduction in the duration of pathogen-induced forgetting. Additionally, one hour after pathogen removal, a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of arx-5 and arx-7 was observed, along with a reduction in arx-2::mCherry fluorescence in specific tissues of C. elegans. This study demonstrates that C. elegans exhibits forgetting behavior towards PA14, with a forgetting duration of approximately 2 hours. Pathogen-induced forgetting is associated with an increase in heterogeneous proteins localized to the cytoskeleton. Moreover, the expression levels of genes related to the Arp2/3 complex (arx-1, arx-2, arx-3, arx-5, and arx-7) are reduced, inhibiting cytoskeleton nucleation in cells. This inhibition may contribute to the observed pathogen-induced forgetting in C. elegans in response to PA14.