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Cited by 1Ion channel regulation and functionstochastic dynamics and bifurcationNeural dynamics and brain function

An unusual potassium conductance protects Caenorhabditis elegans pharyngeal muscle rhythms against environmental noise

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Kenngott, Max, Sengupta, Piali, Lockery, Shawn, Marder, Eve·2025·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
DOI 10.1073/pnas.2422709122PMC PMC12002347
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Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans feeds by rhythmic contraction and relaxation of a neuromuscular organ called the pharynx, which draws in and filters water and bacterial food. This behavior is driven by myogenic plateau potentials, long-lasting depolarizations of the pharyngeal muscle, which are timed by neuronal input from a dedicated pharyngeal nervous system. While the timing of these plateaus’ initiation has received significant attention, their mechanisms of termination remain incompletely understood. In particular, it is unclear how plateaus resist early termination by hyperpolarizing current noise. Here, we present a computational model of pharyngeal plateaus against a noisy background. We propose that an unusual, rapidly inactivating potassium conductance confers exceptional noise robustness on the system. We further investigate the possibility that a similar mechanism in other systems permits switching between plateau and spiking behavior under noisy conditions.

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  • In computational models it is feasible to examine the structures of the parameter spaces that contribute to an output or a physiological state.

    “In computational models it is feasible to examine the structures of the parameter spaces that contribute to an output or a physiological state [31,42,46,47].”

    From A feature and not a bug: Replication failures can lead to new biology (2026) · cites this paper as [47]

  • C. elegans pharyngeal pumping consists of myogenic plateau potentials which are driven by the nervous system.

    “C. elegans pharyngeal pumping consists of myogenic plateau potentials which are driven by the nervous system.”

    From A feature and not a bug: Replication failures can lead to new biology (2026) · cites this paper as [47]

  • An unusual, rapidly inactivating potassium conductance confers exceptional noise robustness on the system.

    “In this computational model an unusual, rapidly inactivating potassium conductance confers exceptional noise robustness on the system.”

    From A feature and not a bug: Replication failures can lead to new biology (2026) · cites this paper as [47]

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Kenngott, M., Sengupta, P., Lockery, S., & Marder, E.
Affiliations
  • Brandeis University (US)
  • University of Oregon (US)
Corresponding author
Marder, Eve
ORCID
Venue
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Published
2025-04-03
Volume
122
Issue
14
Pages
e2422709122-e2422709122
ISSN
  • 0027-8424 (ISSN-L)
  • 1091-6490
DOI
10.1073/pnas.2422709122
PMC
PMC12002347
OpenAlex
W4409126850
Cited by
1
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
0.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R35 NS 097343-08)
  • Kavli Foundation (LS-2024 GR-41-3017)
  • NSF | BIO | Division of Biological Infrastructure (NiCE: IOS-2426394)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion channel regulation and function
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Statistical and Nonlinear Physics › stochastic dynamics and bifurcation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
Keywords
pharyngeal muscles, potassium conductance, noise robustness, computational model, Caenorhabditis elegans
MeSH terms
Animals, Models, Biological, Muscle Contraction, Pharyngeal Muscles, Pharynx, Potassium, Caenorhabditis elegans

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