Dr. Luis-Yanez Guerra
Research Fellow, University of Southampton
PI: Prof. Adriano Senatore
September 20, 2024
12 to 1 PM
IB 140& Zoom
Title: The Neuron-Free Guide to Nervous System Evolution
Abstract: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons, allowing for the coordination of bodily functions and behaviour. Exploring their evolution helps us uncover the origins of neurons and nervous systems, revealing how they emerged and adapted in early life forms. By examining neurotransmitter systems across diverse species, we can trace the evolutionary steps that eventually led to the development of complex nervous systems. This research provides crucial insights into the foundational mechanisms of neural communication and deepens our understanding of the origins of brain function and behaviour in advanced organisms.
Placozoans, simple marine animals that lack nervous systems or organs, offer valuable insights into early animal evolution. Despite their simplicity, they exhibit complex behaviours likely regulated by neurotransmitters. Studying these molecules in placozoans gives us a glimpse into how early forms of cellular communication may have evolved before the emergence of synaptic nervous systems. This sheds light on the origins of complex signalling pathways and the evolution of nervous systems in more complex organisms.