We are interested in the neural mechanisms that generate animal cognition behaviors, using the genetic model roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. We focus on how physiological states induce the formation of aversive associative memory that enables the animals to avoid environmental stressors and pathogens. With a combination of genetic, imaging, and behavioral approaches, we have identified signals and genes, as well as mapped several neural circuits important for stress-induced aversive memory. Our long-term goals are (1) to identify genes, neurons and circuits that underlie behavioral plasticity during physiological stress, and (2) to construct a comprehensive and quantitative model for state-dependent learning and memory.
