Social Behavior in C. elegans.
• Mutation in a neuropeptide-Y-like protein; the NPR-1
receptor. In mammals, important for “feeding”.
• Clumping is controlled by an unknown neuropeptide
acting through the receptor.
• Secretion of the neuropeptide is probably regulated by
food.
• Proposed Model:
Dispersing strains have a repellant response (mediated
by NPR-1 receptor) that masks the attractant
response.