Luke T Geiger

Terminal selector and subtype selector function across 200 million years of nematode evolution

The paper compares terminal and subtype selectors in two nematode species to study neuronal evolution over 200 million years, finding conservation and novelty in regulatory programs.

Coexistence of phasmid sensory neurons and caudal glands offers a new perspective on cell type evolution in nematodes

The paper shows that phasmid sensory neurons and caudal glands coexist in a nematode, challenging the idea that they evolved from each other during aquatic-to-terrestrial transitions.

Early-life stress alters chromatin modifications in VTA to prime stress sensitivity

This study shows early-life stress alters chromatin modifications in the VTA, increasing stress sensitivity through changes in histone dynamics and Setd7 activity.

Cell-type Plasticity Supports Behavioral Adaptations at the Water-to-Land Interface

This study shows that newts exhibit behavioral and cellular plasticity when transitioning between aquatic and terrestrial environments, revealing how nervous system changes support adaptation.

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.

Molecular patterns of evolutionary changes throughout the whole nervous system of multiple nematode species

The paper analyzes whole-animal single-cell transcriptomes of nematodes to reveal stable neuronal identities but divergent signaling pathways across species.

Pain as a Trigger for Epigenetic Modifications in Limbic Circuitry

The paper investigates epigenetic modifications in limbic brain regions after chronic pain, finding reduced histone marks in some areas and associations with pain history and sensitivity.