Nerve net formation in Hydra embryos - novel approaches and insights

In summary, this research highlights the self-organizing and activity-driven nature of neural circuit formation in Hydra embryos, offering insights into the evolution and fundamental principles of nervous systems. Using calcium indicators and immunohistochemistry, the functionality and topology of the emerging nerve net during the early development of embryos and hatchlings are compared and examined. A developed recording pipeline to perform long-term Ca2+ activity during early nerve net assembly allows for profound insights in the fundamental processes of nerve net construction and functionality at single-cell resolution. Furthermore distinct, unsynchronized neuronal networks in different regions of specific developmental stages, which later integrate into a synchronized nerve net in adult polyps are observed, shedding light on fundamental principles of neural connectivity. Examinations of temperature-related influences during the formation of the nerve net are shown, revealing that colder temperatures display a beneficial impact on the network assembly, whereas warmer conditions negatively affect the N4 population-specific involvement in the eating behavior, leading to deficits and a 40% mortality rate. Further, this work analyzed the microbial influences during embryogenesis by examining the nerve net construction and neuronal branches in wild-type, germ-free and recolonized hatchlings. The findings suggest a pivotal role of the commensal bacteria in the number of neurons and their neuronal connectivity. The findings in this work also have implications for understanding neural development in more complex organisms and the crucial role of environmental factors such as temperature and the microbiome on the nerve net assembly during early developmental stages.

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