Transcriptomic approaches to studying small neural networks in exotic species.
Paul S. Katz
There are sometimes advantages for studying non-standard species. For example, nudibranch molluscs produce simple behaviors that are controlled by a small number of identified neurons. Furthermore, homologous neurons can be identified across species, permitting neural circuits to be compared. However, exotic species such as these have the disadvantage of lacking genetic information. Next-gen sequencing and de novo assembly of transcriptomes provides a means to overcome these problems. We have sequenced and assembled the brain transcriptomes from several nudibranch species, which produce two different types of swimming behaviors. We are using the results from these sequencing efforts to identify genes such as neurotransmitter receptors that play important roles in producing the swimming behaviors. Furthermore, the sequence information is providing us with additional molecular markers for identifying homologous neurons. In this way, we can study the evolution of neural circuitry underlying natural behaviors.