Heather R Carstensen

The rewiring of a terminal selector regulatory cascade generates convergent neuronal laterality

The paper identifies miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms that generate left-right neuronal asymmetry in Pristionchus pacificus by rewiring terminal-selector networks.

Identity and functions of monoaminergic neurons in the predatory nematode Pristionchus pacificus reveal nervous system conservation and divergence

The paper characterizes monoaminergic neurons in Pristionchus pacificus, identifying conserved and novel patterns of neurotransmitter expression and function in behaviors like host-finding and dispersal.

Evolution of lateralized gustation in nematodes

The paper shows that nematodes use left/right asymmetric neurons to process salt cues, revealing evolutionary changes in gustatory systems despite limited neuron numbers.

The Regulation of Developmental Diapause is Coordinated with Molting and Olfaction

This paper identifies mutations in P. pacificus that disrupt steroid hormone regulation of developmental diapause, molting, and olfactory behavior.

Evolution of neuronal anatomy and circuitry in two highly divergent nematode species

The paper compares the neuroanatomy and connectivity of the chemosensory system in two nematode species, finding conservation in neuronal number and position but divergence in ciliary morphology and synaptic wiring.