Expression data from the PVD and OLL neurons in C. elegans

Nociceptive neurons develop a complex dendritic arbor to sense noxious stimuli, which enables animals to react to environmental insults and perform self-protective behaviours. The genetic programs controlling neuronal dendritic morphogenesis are poorly understood. In C. elegans, the PVD sensory neuron generates a complex dendritic arbor that envelops the body of the animal. This nociceptive neuron enables study of dendrite formation in vivo. We used expression arrays to identify genes highly enriched in the PVD neuron while undergoing dendritic morphogenesis. These genes could function in pathways controlling dendrite formation.