Adenylosuccinate Lyase Plays a Role in Neuromuscular Coordination

Adenylosuccinate Lyase (ADSL) Deficiency is a rare disorder associated with severe neuromuscular symptoms that arise from unknown mechanisms. Disruption of adsl-1 function in C. elegans results in a distinct inability to regulate body bend angles during swimming movement. We use this locomotive phenotype to study the role of adsl-1 in neuromuscular coordination. Our results suggest neuromuscular coordination could be regulated by adsl-1 in the neuron rather than in muscle, tyramine signaling, or energy production alone.