The presenilin protein family member SPE-4 localizes to an ER/Golgi derived organelle and is required for proper cytoplasmic partitioning during Caenorhabditis elegans spermatogenesis

1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (24) ◽  
pp. 3645-3654 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.M. Arduengo ◽  
O.K. Appleberry ◽  
P. Chuang ◽  
S.W. L'Hernault
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Integral Membrane Protein ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Fibrous Body ◽  
Specific Antisera ◽  
Early Onset Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Asymmetric Partitioning ◽  
Cellular Components

During Caenorhabditis elegans spermatogenesis, asymmetric partitioning of cellular components principally occurs via ER/Golgi-derived organelles, named fibrous body-membranous organelles. In C. elegans spe-4 mutants, morphogenesis of fibrous body-membranous organelle complexes is defective and spermatogenesis arrests at an unusual cellular stage with four haploid nuclei within a common cytoplasm. The spe-4 encoded integral membrane protein is a diverged member of the presenilin family implicated in early onset Alzheimer's disease. Specific antisera were used to show that SPE-4 resides within the fibrous body-membranous organelles membranes during wild-type spermatogenesis. Several spe-4 recessive mutants were examined for SPE-4 immunoreactivity and a deletion mutant lacks detectable SPE-4 while either of two missense mutants synthesize and localize immunoreactive SPE-4 within their fibrous body-membranous organelles. One of these missense mutations is located within a motif that is common to all presenilins. spe-4 mutants were also examined for other partitioning defects and tubulin was found to accumulate in unusual deposits close to the plasma membrane. These results suggest that wild-type SPE-4 is required for proper localization of macromolecules that are subject to asymmetric partitioning during spermatogenesis.

scholarly journals Mutation of a putative sperm membrane protein in Caenorhabditis elegans prevents sperm differentiation but not its associated meiotic divisions.

1992 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
S W L'Hernault ◽  
P M Arduengo
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Integral Membrane Protein ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Fibrous Body ◽  
Sperm Membrane ◽  
Internal Membrane Structure

Spermatogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans uses unusual organelles, called the fibrous body-membranous organelle (FB-MO) complexes, to prepackage and deliver macromolecules to spermatids during cytokinesis that accompanies the second meiotic division. Mutations in the spe-4 (spermatogenesis-defective) gene disrupt these organelles and prevent cytokinesis during spermatogenesis, but do not prevent completion of the meiotic nuclear divisions that normally accompany spermatid formation. We report an ultrastructural analysis of spe-4 mutant sperm where the normally close association of the FB's with the MO's and the double layered membrane surrounding the FB's are both defective. The internal membrane structure of the MO's is also disrupted in spe-4 mutant sperm. Although sperm morphogenesis in spe-4 mutants arrests prior to the formation of spermatids, meiosis can apparently be completed so that haploid nuclei reside in an arrested spermatocyte. We have cloned the spe-4 gene in order to understand its role during spermatogenesis and the molecular basis of how mutation of this gene disrupts this process. The spe-4 gene encodes an approximately 1.5-kb mRNA that is expressed during spermatogenesis, and the sequence of this gene suggests that it encodes an integral membrane protein. These data suggest that mutation of an integral membrane protein within FB-MO complexes disrupts morphogenesis and prevents formation of spermatids but does not affect completion of the meiotic nuclear divisions in C. elegans sperm.

The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-39 Gene Is Required for Intracellular Membrane Reorganization During Spermatogenesis

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 165 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-157
Author(s):  
Guang-dan Zhu ◽  
Steven W L'Hernault
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Yeast Genome ◽  
Major Sperm Protein ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Fibrous Body ◽  
Membrane Reorganization ◽  
Membrane Envelope ◽  
Asymmetric Partitioning ◽  
Metazoan Cell

Abstract Caenorhabditis elegans spermatid formation involves asymmetric partitioning of cytoplasm during the second meiotic division. This process is mediated by specialized ER/Golgi-derived fibrous body-membranous organelles (FB-MOs), which have a fibrous body (FB) composed of bundled major sperm protein filaments and a vesicular membranous organelle (MO). spe-39 mutant spermatocytes complete meiosis but do not usually form spermatids. Ultrastructural examination of spe-39 spermatocytes reveals that MOs are absent, while FBs are disorganized and not surrounded by the membrane envelope usually observed in wild type. Instead, spe-39 spermatocytes contain many small vesicles with internal membranes, suggesting they are related to MOs. The spe-39 gene was identified and it encodes a novel hydrophilic protein. Immunofluorescence with a specific SPE-39 antiserum reveals that it is distributed through much of the cytoplasm and not specifically associated with FB-MOs in spermatocytes and spermatids. The spe-39 gene has orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster and humans but no homolog was identified in the yeast genome. This suggests that the specialized membrane biogenesis steps that occur during C. elegans spermatogenesis are part of a conserved process that requires SPE-39 homologs in other metazoan cell types.

The Effect of Mianserin on Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans is Abolished by Glucose

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Almotayri ◽  
Jency Thomas ◽  
Mihiri Munasinghe ◽  
Markandeya Jois
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Scaffolding Protein ◽  
Lifespan Extension ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Antidepressant Use ◽  
Extension Effect

Background: The antidepressant mianserin has been shown to extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a well-established model organism used in aging research. The extension of lifespan in C. elegans was shown to be dependent on increased expression of the scaffolding protein (ANK3/unc-44). In contrast, antidepressant use in humans is associated with an increased risk of death. The C. elegans in the laboratory are fed Escherichia coli (E. coli), a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrate, whereas a typical human diet is high in carbohydrates. We hypothesized that dietary carbohydrates might mitigate the lifespan-extension effect of mianserin. Objective: To investigate the effect of glucose added to the diet of C. elegans on the lifespan-extension effect of mianserin. Methods: Wild-type Bristol N2 and ANK3/unc-44 inactivating mutants were cultured on agar plates containing nematode growth medium and fed E. coli. Treatment groups included (C) control, (M50) 50 μM mianserin, (G) 73 mM glucose, and (M50G) 50 μM mianserin and 73 mM glucose. Lifespan was determined by monitoring the worms until they died. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier version of the log-rank test. Results: Mianserin treatment resulted in a 12% increase in lifespan (P<0.05) of wild-type Bristol N2 worms but reduced lifespan by 6% in ANK3/unc-44 mutants, consistent with previous research. The addition of glucose to the diet reduced the lifespan of both strains of worms and abolished the lifespan-extension by mianserin. Conclusion: The addition of glucose to the diet of C. elegans abolishes the lifespan-extension effects of mianserin.

scholarly journals Sperm Competition in the Absence of Fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 152 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Singson ◽  
Katherine L Hill ◽  
Steven W L’Hernault
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Sperm Precedence ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Self Fertilization ◽  
Competition Assays

Abstract Hermaphrodite self-fertilization is the primary mode of reproduction in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. However, when a hermaphrodite is crossed with a male, nearly all of the oocytes are fertilized by male-derived sperm. This sperm precedence during reproduction is due to the competitive superiority of male-derived sperm and results in a functional suppression of hermaphrodite self-fertility. In this study, mutant males that inseminate fertilization-defective sperm were used to reveal that sperm competition within a hermaphrodite does not require successful fertilization. However, sperm competition does require normal sperm motility. Additionally, sperm competition is not an absolute process because oocytes not fertilized by male-derived sperm can sometimes be fertilized by hermaphrodite-derived sperm. These results indicate that outcrossed progeny result from a wild-type cross because male-derived sperm are competitively superior and hermaphrodite-derived sperm become unavailable to oocytes. The sperm competition assays described in this study will be useful in further classifying the large number of currently identified mutations that alter sperm function and development in C. elegans.

Streblus asper Lour. exerts MAPK and SKN-1 mediated anti-aging, anti-photoaging activities and imparts neuroprotection by ameliorating Aβ in Caenorhabditis elegans

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Mani Iyer Prasanth ◽  
James Michael Brimson ◽  
Dicson Sheeja Malar ◽  
Anchalee Prasansuklab ◽  
Tewin Tencomnao
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Stress Resistance ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Transgenic Strain ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Streblus Asper

BACKGROUND: Streblus asper Lour., has been reported to have anti-aging and neuroprotective efficacies in vitro. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the anti-aging, anti-photoaging and neuroprotective efficacies of S. asper in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: C. elegans (wild type and gene specific mutants) were treated with S. asper extract and analyzed for lifespan and other health benefits through physiological assays, fluorescence microscopy, qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The plant extract was found to increase the lifespan, reduce the accumulation of lipofuscin and modulate the expression of candidate genes. It could extend the lifespan of both daf-16 and daf-2 mutants whereas the pmk-1 mutant showed no effect. The activation of skn-1 was observed in skn-1::GFP transgenic strain and in qPCR expression. Further, the extract can extend the lifespan of UV-A exposed nematodes along with reducing ROS levels. Additionally, the extract also extends lifespan and reduces paralysis in Aβ transgenic strain, apart from reducing Aβ expression. CONCLUSIONS: S. asper was able to extend the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans which was independent of DAF-16 pathway but dependent on SKN-1 and MAPK which could play a vital role in eliciting the anti-aging, anti-photoaging and neuroprotective effects, as the extract could impart oxidative stress resistance and neuroprotection.

scholarly journals Genetic, Behavioral and Environmental Determinants of Male Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 1597-1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gems ◽  
Donald L Riddle
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Neuronal Function ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Wild Isolate ◽  
Young Males ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Solitary Males

Abstract Males of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are shorter lived than hermaphrodites when maintained in single-sex groups. We observed that groups of young males form clumps and that solitary males live longer, indicating that male-male interactions reduce life span. By contrast, grouped or isolated hermaphrodites exhibited the same longevity. In one wild isolate of C. elegans, AB2, there was evidence of copulation between males. Nine uncoordinated (unc) mutations were used to block clumping behavior. These mutations had little effect on hermaphrodite life span in most cases, yet many increased male longevity even beyond that of solitary wild-type males. In one case, the neuronal function mutant unc-64(e246), hermaphrodite life span was also increased by up to 60%. The longevity of unc-4(e120), unc-13(e51), and unc-32(e189) males exceeded that of hermaphrodites by 70–120%. This difference appears to reflect a difference in sex-specific life span potential revealed in the absence of male behavior that is detrimental to survival. The greater longevity of males appears not to be affected by daf-2, but is influenced by daf-16. In the absence of male-male interactions, median (but not maximum) male life span was variable. This variability was reduced when dead bacteria were used as food. Maintenance on dead bacteria extended both male and hermaphrodite longevity.

scholarly journals Goα Regulates Volatile Anesthetic Action in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 643-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno van Swinderen ◽  
Laura B Metz ◽  
Laynie D Shebester ◽  
Jane E Mendel ◽  
Paul W Sternberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Novel Mutation ◽  
Volatile Anesthetic ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Missense Mutant ◽  
Anesthetic Action ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes

Abstract To identify genes controlling volatile anesthetic (VA) action, we have screened through existing Caenorhabditis elegans mutants and found that strains with a reduction in Go signaling are VA resistant. Loss-of-function mutants of the gene goa-1, which codes for the α-subunit of Go, have EC50s for the VA isoflurane of 1.7- to 2.4-fold that of wild type. Strains overexpressing egl-10, which codes for an RGS protein negatively regulating goa-1, are also isoflurane resistant. However, sensitivity to halothane, a structurally distinct VA, is differentially affected by Go pathway mutants. The RGS overexpressing strains, a goa-1 missense mutant found to carry a novel mutation near the GTP-binding domain, and eat-16(rf) mutants, which suppress goa-1(gf) mutations, are all halothane resistant; goa-1(null) mutants have wild-type sensitivities. Double mutant strains carrying mutations in both goa-1 and unc-64, which codes for a neuronal syntaxin previously found to regulate VA sensitivity, show that the syntaxin mutant phenotypes depend in part on goa-1 expression. Pharmacological assays using the cholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb suggest that VAs and GOA-1 similarly downregulate cholinergic neurotransmitter release in C. elegans. Thus, the mechanism of action of VAs in C. elegans is regulated by Goα, and presynaptic Goα-effectors are candidate VA molecular targets.

Identification Of A Novel Gene Altered In The RQ1 Mutant Strain Affecting Motor Axon Migration In Caenorhabditis Elegans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haider Z. Naqvi
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Axon Guidance ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Genetic Background ◽  
Germ Line ◽  
Strong Indication ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Novel Gene ◽  
Mutation Region

Novel genetic enhancer screens were conducted targeting mutants involved in the guidance of axons of the DA and DB classes of motor neurons in C. elegans. These mutations are expected in genes that function in parallel to the unc-g/Netrin pathway. The screen was conducted in an unc-5(e53) genetic background and enhancers of the axon guidance defects caused by the absence of UNC-5 were identified. Three mutants were previously identified in the screen called rq1, rq2 and rq3 and two additional mutants called H2-4 and M1-3, were isolated in this study. In order to identify the gene affected by the rq1 mutation, wild-type copies of genes in the mapped rq1 mutation region were injected into the mutants to rescue the phenotypic defects. This is a strong indication that the gene of interest is a novel gene called H04D03.1. Promising results indicate that the H04D03.1 protein also works in germ-line apoptosis.

scholarly journals Autophagosomes fuse to phagosomes and play important roles in the degradation of apoptotic cells in Caenorhabditis elegans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Pena-Ramos ◽  
Lucia Chiao ◽  
Xianghua Liu ◽  
Tianyou Yao ◽  
Henry He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Apoptotic Cells ◽  
Phagosome Maturation ◽  
Double Membrane ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Intracellular Organelles ◽  
Intracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cellular Components

Autophagosomes are double-membrane intracellular vesicles that degrade protein aggregates, intracellular organelles, and other cellular components. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, 113 somatic cells undergo apoptosis during embryogenesis and are engulfed and degraded by their neighboring cells. We discovered a novel role of autophagosomes in facilitating the degradation of apoptotic cells in C. elegans embryos using a real-time imaging technique. Specifically, double-membrane autophagosomes in engulfing cells are recruited to the surfaces of phagosomes containing apoptotic cells and subsequently fuse to phagosomes, allowing the inner membrane to enter the phagosomal lumen. Mutants defective in the production of autophagosomes display significant delays in the degradation of apoptotic cells, demonstrating the important contribution of autophagosomes to this process. The signaling pathway led by the phagocytic receptor CED-1, CED-1s adaptor CED-6, and the large GTPase dynamin (DYN-1) promote the recruitment of autophagosomes to phagosomes. Moreover, the subsequent fusion of autophagosomes with phagosomes requires the functions of the small GTPase RAB-7 and the HOPS complex. Our findings reveal that, unlike the single-membrane, LC3- associated phagocytosis (LAP) vesicles reported for mammalian phagocytes, canonical autophagosomes function in the clearance of C. elegans apoptotic cells. These findings add autophagosomes to the collection of intracellular organelles that contribute to phagosome maturation, identify novel crosstalk between the autophagy and phagosome maturation pathways, and discover the upstream factors that initiate this crosstalk.

scholarly journals Isolation, characterization and epistasis of fluoride-resistant mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Genetics ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154
Author(s):  
I Katsura ◽  
K Kondo ◽  
T Amano ◽  
T Ishihara ◽  
M Kawakami
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Brood Size ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Fluoride Ion ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Signal Transduction System ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Resistant Mutants

Abstract We have isolated 13 fluoride-resistant mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. All the mutations are recessive and mapped to five genes. Mutants in three of the genes (class 1 genes: flr-1 X, flr-3 IV, and flr-4 X) are resistant to 400 micrograms/ml NaF. Furthermore, they grow twice as slowly as and have smaller brood size than wild-type worms even in the absence of fluoride ion. In contrast, mutants in the other two genes (class 2 genes: flr-2 V and flr-5 V) are only partially resistant to 400 micrograms/ml NaF, and they have almost normal growth rates and brood sizes in the absence of fluoride ion. Studies on the phenotypes of double mutants showed that class 2 mutations are epistatic to class 1 mutations concerning growth rate and brood size but hypostatic with respect to fluoride resistance. We propose two models that can explain the epistasis. Since fluoride ion depletes calcium ion, inhibits some protein phosphatases and activates trimeric G-proteins, studies on these mutants may lead to discovery of a new signal transduction system that controls the growth of C. elegans.

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