Meeting Abstract
The sea hare Aplysia californica is a highly suitable model for the genomic analysis of learning and memory at the level of individual, functionally identified neurons. Multiple forms of learning and memory are recognizable in this organism, including both associative (classical conditioning) and non-associative (sensitization or habituation) learning. We conducted an extensive RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of single neurons residing within the siphon-withdrawal circuit of Aplysia californica. This was done to gain a better understanding of the dynamics and diversity of the molecular components orchestrating the neuroplasticity that accompanies learning and memory. Multiple transcriptomes were obtained from sequencing LE sensory neurons, LFS motor neurons, and L29 interneurons. Comparison of the transcriptomes allowed us to detect differentially expressed transcripts both within cell types and between trained and control neurons. A large portion of the differentially expressed transcripts encoded already known proteins, such as neuropeptides, cellular ion channels, membrane receptors, and transcription factors. Many transcripts did not code for any known proteins, but are various forms of non-coding RNA species, which may serve to regulate the learning and memory process. These differentially expressed protein-coding transcripts and non-coding RNAs provide clues to identify the molecular players involved in the neuroplasticity that takes place during learning and memory.
