Ancient Balance Organs: The Role of PIEZO in the Ctenophore Statocyst

Ctenophores are a powerful system for exploring the origins of sensory and neurobiological mechanisms, having diverged from all other extant animal lineages over 750 million years ago. Their statocyst represents one of the earliest systems for posture control and gravity detection. Although ctenophores display robust geotactic behaviors, the molecular mechanisms underlying gravity detection in this organism remain largely unknown. Here, we first characterize posture reorientation in freely swimming Mnemiopsis leidyi and then investigate the molecular basis of mechanosensation in the balancer cells of the ctenophore statocyst. Our findings demonstrate that the M. leidyi's Piezo Channel, MliePIEZO, is a bona fide mechanically activated ion channel essential for statocyst function. More broadly, we provide the first mechanistic insight into one of the earliest balance organs that appeared in animals.

11:50 am- Snacks & Socializing
noon- Talk Begins