Understanding Brain-Behavior-Environment Interactions in a New Model System for Neuroscience

C.E. Credits: P.A.C.E. CE | Florida CE
Speaker
  • Mansi Srivastava, PhD

    Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Curator in Invertebrate Zoology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
    BIOGRAPHY

Abstract

We are developing the three-banded panther worm Hofstenia miamia as a new model system for neuroscience. Hofstenia is a rare, lab-tractable member of a lineage of early-branching marine invertebrates called acoel worms. Hofstenia is capable of complex mating, foraging, and egg-laying behavior. The worm has a diffuse brain that is intermediate - phylogenetically and morphologically - between the decentralized nerve nets of cnidarians and the fully centralized brains of vertebrates and typical model organisms. In addition, Hofstenia has a remarkable ability to regenerate any and all tissues from virtually any initial configuration. Thus, it is a promising new system for the study of distributed neural computation, brain regeneration, and the evolution of the first centralized brains. In this talk, I will discuss the approaches we are using to study the brain and behavior of Hofstenia, particularly in the context of its environment.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Summarize the value of diversifying the model systems for neuroscience.

2. Review the acoel Hofstenia miamia as a new research organism.

3. Explain approaches for studying brain, behavior, and the environment in this new system.


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