| Sumario: | Assays of behavior in model organisms play an important role in genetic screens, drug testing, and the elucidation of gene-behavior relationships. We have developed an automated, high-throughput imaging and analysis method for assaying behaviors of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We use high-resolution optical imaging to longitudinally record the behaviors of 96 animals at a time in multi-well plates, and computer vision software to quantify the animals' locomotor activity, behavioral states, and egg-laying events. To demonstrate the capabilities of our system, we used it to examine the role of serotonin in C. elegans behavior. We found that egg-laying events are preceded by a period of reduced locomotion, and that this decline in movement requires serotonin signaling. In addition, we identified novel roles of serotonin receptors SER-1 and SER-7 in regulating the effects of serotonin on egg laying across roaming, dwelling, and quiescent locomotor states. Our system will be useful for performing genetic or chemical screens for modulators of behavior.
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