Inflammation-induced Deficits to Learning and Memory in C. elegans Through Notch Dysregulation

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly common in the aging population. Recently, increased inflammation has been observed in the brains of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we examine the role of inflammation in the regulation of learning and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines were subjected to a chemotaxis learning and memory assay. A significant decrease in learning and memory was seen, with the greatest decrease observed in the IL-6 treatment group. Exposure to the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 caused a decrease in overall Notch1 and regulator Adm-4 expression. Dysregulation of the Notch pathway may provide a mechanism for the observed decrease in learning and memory following IL-6 exposure.