# Loss of SYD-2 leads to decreased short-term memory in Caenorhabditis elegans

## TL;DR

This study shows that the SYD-2 protein is important for short-term memory in C. elegans worms, but not for learning.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that SYD-2 is required for short-term memory but not for aversive learning in C. elegans.

## Key findings

- SYD-2 is not required for aversive learning in C. elegans.
- Loss of SYD-2 impairs short-term associative memory in C. elegans.
- SYD-2 has a role in memory maintenance but not in initial learning.

## Abstract

Learning and memory require tight regulation of communication between pre- and postsynaptic responses. SYD-2, the
C. elegans
ortholog of vertebrate liprin-α, is known for its presynaptic role in active zone maintenance but its role in learning and memory has not been previously investigated. Here, we present findings from 30-minute short-term aversive olfactory memory assay with
C. elegans
lacking SYD-2 (
ok217
mutants). Wild-type (N2) worms exhibited robust learning and short-term memory for aversion to diacetyl. Despite its role in presynaptic maintenance, we found that the loss of SYD-2 had no effect on aversive learning but decreased short-term associative memory.