Oxygen sensing: during my post doc in MRC-LMB, I contributed to identify genes involved in the sensory response to oxygen: O₂  is an important aversive cues for C. elegans. O₂ is sensed by a neuroglobin and guanylate cyclases in O₂ sensory neurons [1]. O₂ sensory neurons are tonic sensors showing little or no adaptation to the cues [2]. A survival circuit is engaged during 21% O₂ that involve behavioural and physiological responses. The information flows rely heavily on neuropeptides secretion [3].

Extracellular vesicles: We discovered that most ciliated sensory neurons release extracellular vesicles from their cilia ending. This occurs by outward budding of the plasma membrane leading to ectosome released in the external media or to the surrounding glia. This mechanism contributes to maintain cilia composition and sensory function [5]. We explore whether/how glia contribute to shape cilia. Adria’s presentation at the worm meeting

Neurosecretion: We have a strong interest in neurosecretion, including Synaptic Vesicle (SV) and Dense Core Vesicle (DCV) functions. We explore this using forward genetics and candidate gene approaches. We identified conserved genes involved in SV cycle (in progress) and conserved pathways involved in in DCV production, trafficking and secretion in neurons [6]. We explore how neuropeptides contribute to crosstalk between sensory circuits [4].

Neuronal atlas: Building on scRNA-seq data, we generated a molecular atlas of 62 neuron classes of C. elegans L2 stage [7]. This work can be used to predict cell-specific promoters and neuron fate regulators. Also see the work of Cengen in L4.

Neuromuscular ageing: We study neuromuscular ageing in C. elegans combining multiples features such as behavioural, morphological and cell biology changes in neurons and muscles [8,9].