SwimR

SwimR analyzes swimming behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans to quantify paralysis and extract time-dependent kinetic parameters for studying swimming-induced paralysis (Swip) using R-based computational routines.

Key Features:

• Automated Kinetic Analysis: Automates extraction of multiple kinetic parameters and time-dependent alterations in swimming patterns from behavioral recordings.
• Paralysis and Swip Quantification: Identifies and quantifies paralysis and metrics associated with swimming-induced paralysis (Swip), including temporal dynamics.
• Drug-Induced Behavioral Analysis: Quantifies effects of pharmacological agents such as the dat-1 blocker and the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (IMI) on swimming behavior over time.
• Integration with Worm Tracker: Accepts input from a custom-built Worm Tracker program that fits a 5-point morphometric spine to videos of single worms swimming in buffer.

Scientific Applications:

• Forward Genetic Screens: Detects Swip phenotypes relevant to loss of the presynaptic dopamine transporter dat-1 for genetic screening.
• Pharmacological Profiling: Enables time-course analysis of compounds affecting C. elegans locomotion, exemplified by studies using dat-1 blockers and imipramine (IMI).
• Behavioral Kinetics and Pathway Dissection: Deconstructs time courses and movement rates to segregate pathways underlying nematode swimming mechanics and the genetic/molecular bases of behavior.

Methodology:

R-based computational routines process input from a custom program that fits a 5-point morphometric spine to single-worm swimming videos in buffer and extract time-dependent kinetic parameters and paralysis metrics.