Chuang Lab

Research Overview: Neural Circuit Development

Co-Workers

Co-Workers in the Chuang Lab.

Shunyan Weng, Chiou-Fen Chuang, Steve Jung, Sia Nikolaou, Yalikun Suofu

Molecular, genetic, and cell biological approaches are used to define the logic of neural circuit assembly. We are particularly interested in understanding how a tremendous diversity of neurons is generated, the first step in wiring complex circuits and networks. We study the simple nervous system in the small roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, composed of just 302 neurons, to uncover fundamental mechanisms that are likely to be used in our own brain. Our current research is focused on three areas.

  1. How do a network of cells cooperate to initiate left-right asymmetry in the nervous system?
  2. What is the molecular and developmental logic of the signaling events that specify neuronal diversity?
  3. How is a signaling complex localized in axons and retrogradely transported to establish asymmetric odorant receptor expression?

Visit the Graduate Program in Neuroscience

Using Olfactory System to Study Neuronal Diversity

C. elegans can sense hundreds of different odors, discriminate between them, and generate different behaviors in response to different odors. In C. elegans, as in other animals, odors are detected by G protein-coupled receptors. The olfactory system, which contains many cell types with different receptor genes, is a fascinating system in which to explore the question of diversity. We chose the C. elegans AWC olfactory neurons to study diversity, since odorant receptors and their sensory specificity can be used as markers for AWC diversity. The left and right AWC neurons in the head express different odorant receptors and sense different odors, indicating that the two AWC neurons represent distinct olfactory cell types. The AWC neurons are distinguished by whether or not they express the candidate odorant receptor gene str-2::GFP as AWCON and AWCOFF. Our research has been focusing on signaling pathways that create AWC diversity, which revealed unexpected roles of cell network formation and synaptic communication in neuronal maturation. We are going to extend these discoveries in several directions to further define the logic of cell-cell communication and signaling events that specify neuronal diversity (see research overview shown above).


AWC asymmetry: the left and right AWC olfactory neurons in the head represent distinct cell types. The candidate odorant receptor str-2::GFP (false-colored green) is expressed in only one of the two AWC neurons. AWCON, str-2-expressing AWC cell; AWCOFF, non-str-2-expressing cell.
The promoter of an innexin gap junction protein drives GFP expression in a cell network, which consists of many sensory neurons and interneurons in the head and tail (false-colored green).
The innexin gap junction protein is localized in a striking punctate pattern around neuronal cell bodies in the network (false-colored red).

Publications

Gabel CV, Antonie F,  Chuang C-F, Samuel AD, Chang C. Distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms mediate initial axon development and adult-stage axon regeneration in C. elegans. Development 2008;135:1129-36.

Chuang C-F, VanHoven MK, Fetter RD, Verselis VK, Bargmann CI. An innexin-dependent cell network establishes left-right neuronal asymmetry in C. elegans. Cell 2007;129:787-99. (Preview: Gap Junctions Provide New Links in Left-Right Patterning. Cell 2007;129:645-47.)

Chuang C-F, Bargmann CI. A Toll-interleukin 1 repeat protein at the synapse specifies asymmetric odorant receptor expression via ASK1 MAPKKK signaling. Genes & Dev 2005;19:270-81.

Chuang C-F, Meyerowitz EM. Specific and heritable genetic interference by double-stranded RNA in Arabidopsis thaliana. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2000;97:4985-90.

Chuang C-F, Running MP, Williams RW, Meyerowitz EM. The PERIANTHIA gene encodes a bZIP protein involved in the determination of floral organ number in Arabidopsis thaliana. Genes & Dev. 1999;13:334-44.

Work in the Lab

View details about our available positions:

  • Postdoctoral Position
  • Laboratory Aide
  • Graduate Students

Contact Us

The Chuang Laboratory is part of the Division of Developmental Biology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation. The lab is located in Location S, Room S3.532/S3.533. Dr. Chuang's office is located in S3.405.

Division of Developmental Biology
Children's Hospital Research Foundation
3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7007
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Email: Chiou-Fen.Chuang@cchmc.org
Tel: 513-803-0046 (Chuang office)
       513-803-0760 (lab office)
       513-636-8117 (lab)
Fax: 513-636-4317