Large-Scale Gravitaxis Assay of Caenorhabditis Dauer Larvae.

TitleLarge-Scale Gravitaxis Assay of Caenorhabditis Dauer Larvae.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsAckley C, Washiashi L, Krishnamurthy R, Rothman JH
JournalJ Vis Exp
Issue183
Date Published2022 05 31
ISSN1940-087X
KeywordsAnimals, Caenorhabditis, Gravitation, Gravity Sensing, Larva, Mammals, Taxis Response
Abstract

Gravity sensation is an important and relatively understudied process. Sensing gravity enables animals to navigate their surroundings and facilitates movement. Additionally, gravity sensation, which occurs in the mammalian inner ear, is closely related to hearing - thus, understanding this process has implications for auditory and vestibular research. Gravitaxis assays exist for some model organisms, including Drosophila. Single worms have previously been assayed for their orientation preference as they settle in solution. However, a reliable and robust assay for Caenorhabditis gravitaxis has not been described. The present protocol outlines a procedure for performing gravitaxis assays that can be used to test hundreds of Caenorhabditis dauers at a time. This large-scale, long-distance assay allows for detailed data collection, revealing phenotypes that may be missed on a standard plate-based assay. Dauer movement along the vertical axis is compared with horizontal controls to ensure that directional bias is due to gravity. Gravitactic preference can then be compared between strains or experimental conditions. This method can determine molecular, cellular, and environmental requirements for gravitaxis in worms.

DOI10.3791/64062
Alternate JournalJ Vis Exp
PubMed ID35723485
PubMed Central IDPMC9359452
Grant ListP40 OD010440 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM143771 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD081266 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM114093 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States