Author:

Abstract:

Several neurodegeneration-modifying genes are being investigated. However, a link with learning and memory is yet to be found. Several neurodegenerative disorders share a common feature i.e. memory impairment. Hence, finding components that influences both neurodegeneration, and learning and memory pathways might deliver key insights in these intriguing pathways. For this purpose, Caenorhabidtis elegans (C. elegans), has proven to be a favoured model organism. The connectome of this nematode’s nervous system is consistent from one worm to another and has been mapped entirely. Although it only comprises 302 neurons, the simplicity of the worm’s nervous systems is deceptive since it drives a rich behavioural repertoire. Not only did genome comparison reveal many striking parallels between C. elegans and human genomes, major neurotransmitter systems and many signalling pathways seem to be conserved as well. Moreover, studies indicated that aging processes in C. elegans’ nervous system are virtually similar to those of mammals. As these studies show that C. elegans is a powerful model for investigating genetic pathways involved in learning and neuronal aging, the use of such a model organism facilitates in vivo studies of several neurodegenerative disorder. In that respect, many C. elegans models for neurodegenerative diseases guide the further elucidation of mechanisms underlying these disorders. A set of intriguing neurodegeneration-modifying genes form the core of this study. By investigating the effect of these specific modifiers on learning and memory, yet unknown aspect of neurodegeneration, and learning and memory might be unravelled. Using these genes as genetic focus, corresponding mutants were tested in several learning paradigms i.e. radial gradient based gustatory plasticity and tap habituation. To date, at least one but potentially more neurodegeneration-modifier genes have shown to be involved in both processes, thus linking two captivating fields of study.