Investigating the Neuroprotective Effects of Vitamin E Against Oxidative Stress in the AWC Chemosensory Neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Oxidative stress, a key driver of neurodegeneration, damages neurons and impairs function. Using CX3933 C. elegans which expresses GFP in AWC neurons under the str-2 promoter and shares conserved genetic pathways with humans, this study modeled oxidative stress via hydrogen peroxide exposure. Chemotaxis and fluorescence assays revealed significant neuronal damage in stressed worms. Vitamin E treatment restored sensory behavior and neuronal integrity, while ethanol controls showed minimal effect. These results support Vitamin E’s neuroprotective role, warranting further study of antioxidant-based interventions.