Endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol increases the transcription of daf-7 in ASI neurons

Abstract

This article investigates the effect of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) on the expression of the daf-7 gene in ASI neurons of nematodes. It demonstrates that daf-7 expression levels increase notably when nematodes are exposed to 2-AG. This observation is supported by fluorescence microscopy images showing elevated GFP signal in ASI neurons treated with 2-AG compared to control groups. Statistical analysis confirms a significant difference in daf-7 expression between the 2-AG treatment and solvent control conditions. The study conducted three independent experiments, analyzing a total of 70 ASI neurons for each condition. Regarding the methods, worms were cultured on solid NGM plates supplemented with bacteria and specific supplements for each experimental condition. Daf-7 expression was monitored in synchronized L1 larvae fed with Escherichia coli supplemented with either 2-AG or carrier solvent. Fluorescence microscopy was utilized to visualize GFP intensity in ASI neurons, and image analysis software quantified the data. The study concludes a robust increase in daf-7 expression in response to 2-AG treatment.