{
  "id": 7855415,
  "title": "Anatomical and functional organisation of the cholinergic nervous system in the tunicate Botryllus schlosseri",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/anatomical-and-functional-organisation-of-the-cholinergic-nervous",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-16T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "bioRxiv",
    "slug": "biorxiv",
    "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.10.750344v1?rss=1"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cholinergic neurotransmission, a crucial component of neural communication, exhibits ancient evolutionary roots yet the intricate organization of cholinergic pathways within early chordates, such as the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, remains underexplored. This study delves into the spatial and functional organization of the cholinergic system in B. schlosseri, an organism characterized by continuous, cyclical neural regeneration. Utilizing a combination of multi-modal approaches, including HCR-RNA FISH, in vivo pharmacology, brain electrophysiology, and quantitative reflex assays, researchers elucidate the core molecular machinery involved in acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis, transport, breakdown, and receptor signaling.\n\nThe spatial expression analysis delineates a compartmentalized cholinergic network encompassing central ganglia, peripheral sensory cells, and ciliated epithelia. Functionally, the study reveals that nicotinic receptors play a pivotal role in mediating rapid mechanosensory burst firing within the brain, initiating siphon reflex contractions, and causing ciliary arrest. Conversely, muscarinic receptors modulate baseline siphon motility and regulate muscle tone. Pharmacological interventions targeting active siphon motor programs unveil a slower, vascular-coupled rhythmic motility, while inhibition of AChE results in paralysis, underscoring the indispensable role of regulated ACh breakdown and non-synaptic transmission.\n\nIn summary, the findings illuminate the sophisticated dual-effector nature of the B. schlosseri's cholinergic system, orchestrating both muscular and ciliary networks. This research provides significant insights into the evolutionary trajectory of chordate neuromuscular control mechanisms.",
  "summary": "Acetylcholine (ACh) is an ancient, highly conserved neurotransmitter, yet the functional diversification of cholinergic pathways across early chordates remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the spatial and functional organization of the cholinergic system in the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, a chordate model that undergoes lifelong, cyclical neural regeneration. By…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}