How does a tiny worm coordinate complex escape behaviour? In this episode, we dive into how the neurotransmitter tyramine triggers rapid, coordinated escape in Caenorhabditis elegans. Researchers uncovered that tyramine activates a newly discovered tyramine-gated chloride channel, LGC-55, which suppresses head movements and promotes sustained backward locomotion after anterior touch.

We explore:

How tyramine acts as a classical inhibitory neurotransmitter in C. elegans The critical role of LGC-55 in controlling head movement and reversal length during escapes Why tyramine’s control of multiple motor outputs is vital to escaping predatory fungi How tyramine reshapes neural network dynamics to bias the worm toward rapid retreat

📖 Based on the research article: “A Tyramine-Gated Chloride Channel Coordinates Distinct Motor Programs of a Caenorhabditis elegans Escape Response” Jennifer K. Pirri, Adam D. McPherson, Jamie L. Donnelly, Michael M. Francis & Mark J. Alkema. Published in Neuron (2009). 🔗 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2009.04.013

🎧 Subscribe to the WoRM Podcast for more on neuromodulation, escape circuits, and whole-organism behaviour!

This podcast is generated with artificial intelligence and curated by Veeren. If you’d like your publication featured on the show, please get in touch.

📩 More info: 🔗 ⁠www.veerenchauhan.com⁠ 📧 [email protected]

In this episode, we explore a real-world predator–prey arms race: how Caenorhabditis elegans uses its anterior touch response to escape predacious fungi. Species like Drechslerella doedycoides use constricting hyphal rings to trap nematodes in soil. But thanks to mechanosensory neurons and fast reflexes, C. elegans larvae can sense the noose and back out — if they’re fast enough.

We dive into:

The mechanics of fungal ring traps and the escape window before closure How C. elegans suppresses head movement and reverses direction to evade capture Why touch-insensitive and tyramine signalling mutants get caught more often How coordination of motor programmes evolved under selective pressure from fungal predators

📖 Based on the research article: “The C. elegans Touch Response Facilitates Escape from Predacious Fungi” Sean M. Maguire, Christopher M. Clark, Jennifer K. Pirri, Mark J. Alkema. Published in Current Biology (2011). 🔗 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2011.06.063

🎧 Subscribe to the WoRM Podcast for more whole-organism insights at the edge of neuroethology, evolution, and behaviour.

This podcast is generated with artificial intelligence and curated by Veeren. If you’d like your publication featured on the show, please get in touch.

📩 More info: 🔗 ⁠www.veerenchauhan.com⁠ 📧 [email protected]