Abstract: The detection of internal chemicals through interoceptive chemosensory pathways plays a crucial role in regulating physiology and behavior. However, the molecular identities of interoceptors and the functional implications of interoceptive chemosensation are not yet fully understood. The pharyngeal neuronal network in C. elegans is anatomically and functionally similar to the mammalian enteric nervous system. During this seminar, Dr. Sengupta will present her recent findings on a novel interoceptive chemosensory pathway in C. elegans and explore the neuronal and molecular mechanisms by which chemosensation, mediated by a specific pharyngeal enteric neuron, helps regulate physiological homeostasis in response to ingested salts.

https://www.brandeis.edu/biology/faculty/sengupta-piali.html