Dice Question Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

Exact neuron count across tardigrade life-history stages

Determine the exact number of neurons in Hypsibius exemplaris for each life-history stage (embryo, hatchling, juvenile, and adult) to establish foundational quantitative baselines for systems-level analyses and comparative neurobiology within Panarthropoda.

Information Square Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

Background

The paper argues that tardigrades combine anatomical simplicity with behavioral richness, making them compelling for systems neuroscience. However, even the most basic quantitative parameter—the total neuron count—has not been established for any life stage. Establishing neuron numbers per stage is critical for mapping circuit architecture, designing imaging strategies, and building accurate computational models.

Quantifying neuron counts in Hypsibius exemplaris would align tardigrade research with benchmarks available in other models such as Caenorhabditis elegans, where complete neuron counts underpin connectomic and functional studies.

References

The anatomical and functional mapping of the tardigrade nervous system is in its infancy: the exact number of neurons in any tardigrade life-history stage remains unknown, neuronal identities and types have not been established, their connectome has yet to be reconstructed, and the mechanisms underlying the animal's fascinating neurobiology, such as neuronal resilience and repair, remain unexplored (see Table 1 for current neuroanatomical knowledge).

— The tardigrade as an emerging model organism for systems neuroscience (2501.06606 - Lyons et al., 11 Jan 2025) in Introduction