Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College/School
College of Science and Mathematics
Department/Program
Biology
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Christos Suriano
Committee Member
Elena Petroff
Committee Member
Carlos Molina
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key mediators of innate immunity, but emerging evidence suggests that they also play critical roles in the functioning of the central nervous system. This thesis explores the function of TOL-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of mammalian TLRs, in sensory neurobiology and behavioral responses to nutritive food. In particular, carbon dioxide and ethanol are commonly encountered in microbial environments and can signal metabolically active food sources or potential pathogens. Using tol-1 loss-of-function mutants, neuronal rescue lines, and a combination of molecular, tissue imaging, and behavioral assays, we demonstrate that TOL-1 functions in chemosensory neurons to regulate feeding behavior by avoiding carbon dioxide when satiated. With regards to ethanol, another metabolite secreted by their principal food source, C. elegans TOL-1 regulates physiological responses as well as learned aversion in response to ethanol exposure. With regards to immunological homeostasis, TOL-1 deficiency results in increased oxidative stress, reduced pharyngeal pumping, and heightened sensitivity to ethanol-induced toxicity. These findings highlight a conserved neuroimmune mechanism through which TOL-1 modulates sensory neurobiology and ingestive behavior in C. elegans, positioning TLRs as central to circuit functioning and behavior.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Gujral, Gursimran Singh, "Neuronal TOL-1 Integrates Microbial and Metabolic Cues to Modulate Feeding and Aversion in C. elegans" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1548.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1548