Neuromodulators: an essential part of survival

Abstract

The coordination between the animal's external environment and internal state requires constant modulation by chemicals known as neuromodulators. Neuromodulators, such as biogenic amines, neuropeptides and cytokines, promote organismal homeostasis. Over the past several decades, Caenorhabditis elegans has grown into a powerful model organism that allows the elucidation of the mechanisms of action of neuromodulators that are conserved across species. In this perspective, we highlight a collection of articles in this issue that describe how neuromodulators optimize C. elegans survival.

Azepine-Indole Alkaloids From Psychotria nemorosa Modulate 5-HT2A Receptors and Prevent in vivo Protein Toxicity in Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans

“…These features make C. elegans a suitable model to study human diseases ( Hulme and Whitesides, 2011 ; Markaki and Tavernarakis, 2020 ). The serotoninergic signaling system is largely conserved between nematodes and humans ( Alcedo and Prahlad, 2020 ; Ishita et al, 2020 ). 5-HT regulates a wide range of C. elegans behavior like pharyngeal pumping ( Carre-Pierrat et al, 2006 ), locomotion ( Gürel et al, 2012 ), and egg laying ( Dempsey et al, 2005 ).…”

The role of food odor in invertebrate foraging

“…68,[80][81][82] Internal states are often set by neuromodulators and neuropeptides, which signal gross changes in the balance between behavioral and sensory priorities. 83,84 For example, increased value can be allocated to odor sensation during times of hunger. 85,86 When placed on a single fly treadmill, hungry…”

“… 68 , 80 , 81 , 82 Internal states are often set by neuromodulators and neuropeptides, which signal gross changes in the balance between behavioral and sensory priorities. 83 , 84 For example, increased value can be allocated to odor sensation during times of hunger. 85 , 86 When placed on a single fly treadmill, hungry Drosophila will doggedly pursue a food odor even when no reward is forthcoming, meaning the promise of food driven by smell is enough to outweigh negative experiences.…”

Cross‐talk between neurosteroid and endocannabinoid systems in cannabis addiction

“…Neuromodulators can be defined as endogenous molecules or neuronal messengers that modulate neuronal activity upon stimulation. Neuromodulators have been observed in several species, from the nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans to mammals 32,33 . Both intrinsic and extrinsic types of neuromodulation have been described 34 .…”

“…They have been observed in several species, from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals. 34,35 They can be involved in mediating local (autocrine or paracrine) neuromodulation or in a hormonal mode on neuronal targets distant from their release site. 36 Two examples of well-described neuromodulatory systems are the GABAergic and glutamatergic neuronal systems, which underlie the excitability properties of neurons and control the cellular inhibitory and excitatory balance, respectively.…”