Posted
on Jan. 16, 2016 in “Faculty”
Professor
Jagan Srinivasan to explain nematode research at Science Cafe Woo
We
unearth them when we’re gardening. We use them to bait fish. We
mark the arrival of spring – what is that, again? – with the
robins that appear and begin plucking them from the recently thawed
soil.
But
what most people don’t realize is that humans share very distinct
characteristics with certain worms when it comes to vital social
processes such as mating and bonding.
Yes,
you read that right.
Worms.
“People
say to me, “What, wait… this is such a tiny, microscopic,
1-millimeter-long worm – how can that tell us something about human
communication?” says Jagan Srinivasan, assistant professor in WPI’s
Department of Biology and Biotechnology, who has devoted significant
research to understanding the social language of the nematode worm –
and what its behaviors can tell us about our own. “The worm is not
too different from humans.”
Srinivasan,
who runs the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Chemical
Biology at Gateway Park, will speak about his ongoing research and
findings in “The Underground Social Network: Studying Communication
in Worms,” a discussion at 6:30 Monday evening (Jan. 18) at Science
Café Woo (NU Café, 335 Chandler St.).
As
he explains, the specific nematode worm he analyzes, C.
elegans,
has been found to have a genome that is 30 percent similar to that of
humans, although they are essentially simple creatures – they have
1,000 total cells, compared with our estimated 37.2 trillion. A major
portion of the cellular architecture of worms is dedicated to their
nervous system, approximately 302 are neurons – they apply a
complex array of processes to attract, find, and identify mates.
Particularly,
as they grow, they secrete distinct chemical compounds into the
environment to connect with other worms. Using what Srinivasan calls
a “very intricate chemical alphabet,” they secrete different
chemicals at different stages, with their “chemical repertoire”
changing throughout their short life cycle.
Surviving
on E.
coli,
the nematode population is dominantly hermaphroditic – meaning that
the majority of specimens contain both female and male reproductive
organs – and lives for a maximum of 20 to 22 days, with just four
of those days focused on reproduction.
“Even
though the worm is simplistic, what it is trying to do is put a
chemical alphabet together to communicate,” says Srinivasan.
And
although it lacks in sight, the nematode shows strengths when it
comes to other senses. “The worm cannot see like humans, but it can
smell better than humans,” he said.
So
what similarities do we share with the simple-celled creatures?
The
goal throughout his studies has been to determine just how much
chemical signals play a role in human communication. And ultimately,
further research could potentially lead to a better understanding of
– as well as cures for – various social disorders, such as
autism, he says.
“We
are tuned to certain concentrations of chemicals,” he explains,
using the metaphor of finding just the right amount of cologne or
perfume to apply to be attractive to a potential mate – without
coming off overpowering, or, conversely, underwhelming. In the end,
it comes down to the question of “What is the right concentration
for me to act?”
Srinivasan,
in turn, notes that he has to find his own unique balance.
“People
who have absolutely no scientific background will be listening to why
it’s important to be studying worms,” he says. “I’m going to
try and make it as simplistic as possible for the general public, yet
maintain the big scientific questions.”
Interested
in learning more? Catch his talk Monday night at NU Café — or
visit the Srinivasan Lab website:
http://users.wpi.edu/~jsrinivasan/index.html.
– BY TARYN PLUMB
Original story link.
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