RIPL, RIPR

Type: Ring/Pharynx interneuron
In MoW: RIP
Male Wiring Project:
RIPL, RIPR
In Wormbase: RIP, RIPL, RIPR
Lineage: AB alpapaaaa, AB arappaaaa
Location: Head
Description: Anterior processes of RIP neurons run in the lateral labial process bundles and enter the pharynx close to its anterior end. Gap junctions between RIPL/R neurons and the pharyngeal I1's, as well as possible gap junctions between RIPL/R and the pharyngeal motor neuron, M1 constitute the only connection between the pharyngeal nervous system and the somatic nervous system.
Neurotransmitter/ Neuropeptide:
Innexin expression:
- INX-4
- UNC-9
(Altun et al, 2009)
Receptor expression:
Function:
- Only connection between the phrayngeal and somatic nervous systems. In intact worms light touch sensed by the extrapharyngeal touch cells briefly inhibits pumping. When RIPs are ablated pharyngeal pumping becomes unresponsive to light touch (Avery and Thomas, 1997).



 
 

Transverse TEM section where the somatic neuron RIP enters the pharynx to make gap junctions (inset, white arrow) to the pharyngeal neuron I1. The subcuticular ending of I1 is also seen close to the lumen. Bar, 1 μm. (Image source: [MRC] Q series 1730-8a.)


 
 

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RIPL (AB alpapaaaa) development in the embryo.
Dorsal view. Bottom is left side of the embryo. Spheres indicate individual nuclei. Black sphere: ancestors of RIPL; dark grey spheres: apoptotic cells; other cells follow the WA color code (after they acquire specific cell or tissue identities). 0 min is fertilization. Click on the movie for higher resolution rendition (by A. Santella & Z. Bao).

 
 

Click here for larger version
RIPR (AB arappaaaa) development in the embryo.
Dorsal view. Bottom is left side of the embryo. Spheres indicate individual nuclei. Black sphere: ancestors of RIPR; dark grey spheres: apoptotic cells; other cells follow the WA color code (after they acquire specific cell or tissue identities). 0 min is fertilization. Click on the movie for higher resolution rendition (by A. Santella & Z. Bao).


Last revision: July 10, 2014
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