Understanding Brain-Behavior-Environment Interactions in a New Model System for Neuroscience

We are developing the three-banded panther worm Hofstenia miamia as a new model system for neuroscience. Hofstenia is a rare, lab-tractable member of a lineage of early-branching marine invertebrates called acoel worms. Hofstenia is capable of complex mating, foraging, and egg-laying behavior. The worm has a diffuse brain that is intermediate - phylogenetically and morphologically - between the decentralized nerve nets of cnidarians and the fully centralized brains of vertebrates and typical model organisms. In addition, Hofstenia has a remarkable ability to regenerate any and all tissues from virtually any initial configuration. Thus, it is a promising new system for the study of distributed neural computation, brain regeneration, and the evolution of the first centralized brains. In this talk, I will discuss the approaches we are using to study the brain and behavior of Hofstenia, particularly in the context of its environment.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Summarize the value of diversifying the model systems for neuroscience.

2. Review the acoel Hofstenia miamia as a new research organism.

3. Explain approaches for studying brain, behavior, and the environment in this new system.