Reporter gene constructs suggest that the Caenorhabditis elegans avermectin receptor beta-subunit is expressed solely in the pharynx.

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (10) ◽  
pp. 1509-1514 ◽  
Author(s):  
D L Laughton ◽  
G G Lunt ◽  
A J Wolstenholme
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Beta Subunit ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Major Mode ◽  
Flanking Sequences

Gene promoter/LacZ reporter constructs were made in order to analyse the expression of the beta-subunit of the Caenorhabditis elegans glutamate-gated Cl- channel (Glu-Cl) receptor. Southern blot analysis of the C. elegans cosmid C35E8 identified a 4kbp EcoRI fragment which contained the 5' portion of the Glu-Cl beta coding sequence together with 5' flanking sequences. This was subcloned and used as the template for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a DNA fragment encoding the first 24 amino acid residues of Glu-Cl beta together with 1.4 kbp of 5' genomic sequence. The fragment was subcloned into the LacZ expression vector pPD22.11 to form a translational reporter fusion. After injection of the construct into worms, six stably transformed lines were established and assayed for beta-galactosidase activity. Stained nuclei were observed in the pharyngeal metacorpus in adults and in all larval stages, and stained nuclei were seen in many embryos undergoing morphogenesis. Additional stained nuclei towards the terminal bulb of the pharynx were observed in larval stages. These results provide further evidence that the Glu-Cl receptor mediates the glutamatergic inhibition of pharyngeal muscle via the M3 motor neurone and point to inhibition of pharyngeal pumping as a major mode of action for avermectins.

scholarly journals Altered expression of an L1-specific, O-linked cuticle surface glycoprotein in mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

1991 ◽  
Vol 115 (5) ◽  
pp. 1237-1247 ◽  
Author(s):  
R M Hemmer ◽  
S G Donkin ◽  
K J Chin ◽  
D G Grenache ◽  
H Bhatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Surface Glycoprotein ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Free Living Nematode

Mouse mAb M38 was used in indirect immunofluorescence experiments to detect a stage-specific antigen on the surface of the first larval stage (L1) of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and to detect alterations in the apparent expression of this antigen in two distinct classes of C. elegans mutants. In previously described srf-2 and srf-3 mutants (Politz S. M., M. T. Philipp, M. Estevez, P.J. O'Brien, and K. J. Chin. 1990. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 87:2901-2905), the antigen is not detected on the surface of any stage. Conversely, in srf-(yj43) and other similar mutants, the antigen is expressed on the surface of the first through the fourth (L4) larval stages. To understand the molecular basis of these alterations, the antigen was characterized in gel immunoblotting experiments. After SDS-PAGE separation and transfer to nitrocellulose, M38 detected a protein antigen in extracts of wild-type L1 populations. The antigen was sensitive to digestion by Pronase and O-glycanase (endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase), suggesting that it is an O-linked glycoprotein. This antigen was not detected in corresponding extracts of wild-type L4s or srf-2 or srf-3 L1s, but was detected in extracts of srf-(yj43) L4s. The antigen-defective phenotype of srf-3 was epistatic to the heterochronic mutant phenotype of srf-(yj43) in immunofluorescence tests of the srf-3 srf-(yj43) double mutant, suggesting that srf-(yj43) causes incorrect regulation of a pathway of antigen formation that requires wild-type srf-3 activity.

scholarly journals The Caenorhabditis elegans muscle-affecting gene unc-87 encodes a novel thin filament-associated protein.

1994 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Goetinck ◽  
R H Waterston
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Gene Product ◽  
Thin Filament ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Muscle Protein ◽  
Thin Filaments ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Neuronal Protein ◽  
And Function ◽  
Filament Protein

Mutations in the unc-87 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans affect the structure and function of bodywall muscle, resulting in variable paralysis. We cloned the unc-87 gene by taking advantage of a transposon-induced allele of unc-87 and the correspondence of the genetic and physical maps in C. elegans. A genomic clone was isolated that alleviates the mutant phenotype when introduced into unc-87 mutants. Sequence analysis of a corresponding cDNA clone predicts a 357-amino acid, 40-kD protein that is similar to portions of the vertebrate smooth muscle proteins calponin and SM22 alpha, the Drosophila muscle protein mp20, the deduced product of the C. elegans cDNA cm7g3, and the rat neuronal protein np25. Analysis of the genomic sequence and of various transcripts represented in a cDNA library suggest that unc-87 mRNAs are subject to alternative splicing. Immunohistochemistry of wildtype and mutant animals with antibodies to an unc-87 fusion protein indicates that the gene product is localized to the I-band of bodywall muscle. Studies of the UNC-87 protein in other muscle mutants suggest that the unc-87 gene product associates with thin filaments, in a manner that does not depend on the presence of the thin filament protein tropomyosin.

scholarly journals Loss of SEC-23 in Caenorhabditis elegans Causes Defects in Oogenesis, Morphogenesis, and Extracellular Matrix Secretion

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 4414-4426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Roberts ◽  
Caroline Clucas ◽  
Iain L. Johnstone
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Rapid Onset ◽  
Transport Pathway ◽  
Early Maturation ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Membrane Surfaces ◽  
Golgi Transport ◽  
Adult Hermaphrodite ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Secretion

SEC-23 is a component of coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles involved in the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport pathway of eukaryotes. During postembryonic life, Caenorhabditis elegans is surrounded by a collagenous exoskeleton termed the cuticle. From a screen for mutants defective in cuticle secretion, we identified and characterized a sec-23 mutant of C. elegans. By sequence homology, C. elegans has only the single sec-23 gene described herein. In addition to the cuticle secretion defect, mutants fail to complete embryonic morphogenesis. However, they progress through the earlier stages of embryogenesis, including gastrulation, and achieve substantial morphogenesis before death. We demonstrated a maternal component of SEC-23 function sufficient for progression through the earlier stages of embryogenesis and explaining the limited phenotype of the zygotic mutant. By RNA-mediated interference, we investigated the effects of perturbing COPII function during various postembryonic stages. During larval stages, major defects in cuticle synthesis and molting were observed. In the adult hermaphrodite, reduction of SEC-23 function by RNA-mediated interference caused a rapid onset of sterility, with defects in oogenesis including early maturation of the germline nuclei, probably a result of the observed loss of the GLP-1 receptor from the membrane surfaces adjacent to the developing germline nuclei.

scholarly journals The Caenorhabditis elegans unc-13 gene product is a phospholipid-dependent high-affinity phorbol ester receptor

1992 ◽  
Vol 287 (3) ◽  
pp. 995-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ahmed ◽  
I N Maruyama ◽  
R Kozma ◽  
J Lee ◽  
S Brenner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Phorbol Ester ◽  
Catalytic Domain ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Neuronal Connections ◽  
Phorbol Ester Receptor

The Caenorhabditis elegans unc-13 mutant is a member of a class of mutants that have un-coordinated movement. Mutations of the unc-13 gene cause diverse defects in C. elegans, including abnormal neuronal connections and modified synaptic transmission in the nervous system. unc-13 cDNA encodes a protein (UNC-13) of 1734 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 198 kDa and sequence identity to the C1/C2 regions but not to the catalytic domain of the ubiquitously expressed protein kinase C family [Maruyama & Brenner (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 5729-5733]. To characterize the phorbol ester binding site of the UNC-13 protein, cDNA encoding the C1/C2-like regions (amino acid residues 546-940) was expressed in Escherichia coli and the 43 kDa recombinant protein was purified. Phorbol ester binding to the 43 kDa protein was zinc- and phospholipid-dependent, stereospecific and of high affinity (Kd 67 nM). UNC-13 specific antisera detected a protein of approx. 190 kDa in wild-type (N2) but not in mutant (e1019) C. elegans cell extracts. We conclude that UNC-13 represents a novel class of phorbol ester receptor.

scholarly journals Characterization of beta pat-3 heterodimers, a family of essential integrin receptors in C. elegans.

1995 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 1127-1141 ◽  
Author(s):  
S N Gettner ◽  
C Kenyon ◽  
L F Reichardt
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Cytoplasmic Domain ◽  
Beta Subunit ◽  
Beta Subunits ◽  
Integrin Receptors ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Alpha Subunits ◽  
Sds Page

Members of the integrin family of cell surface receptors have been shown to mediate a diverse range of cellular functions that require cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix interactions. We have initiated the characterization of integrin receptors from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an organism in which genetics can be used to study integrin function with single cell resolution. Here we report the cloning of an integrin beta subunit from C. elegans which is shown to rescue the embryonic lethal mutation pat-3(rh54) and is thus named beta pat-3. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that beta pat-3 is more similar to Drosophila integrin beta PS and to vertebrate integrin beta 1 than to other integrin beta subunits. Regions of highest homology are in the RGD-binding region and in the cytoplasmic domain. In addition, the 56 cysteines present in the majority of integrin beta subunits are conserved. A major transcript of approximately 3 kilo-base pairs was detected by RNA blot analysis. Immunoblot analysis using a polyclonal antiserum against the cytoplasmic domain showed that beta pat-3 migrates in SDS-PAGE with apparent M(r) of 109 k and 120 k under nonreducing and reducing conditions, respectively. At least nine protein bands with relative molecular weights in the range observed for known integrin alpha subunits coprecipitate with beta pat-3, and at least three of these bands migrate in SDS-PAGE with increased mobility when reduced. This behavior has been observed for a majority of integrin alpha subunits. Immunoprecipitations of beta pat-3 from developmentally staged populations of C. elegans showed that the expression of several of these bands changes during development. The monoclonal antibody MH25, which has been postulated to recognize the transmembrane component of the muscle dense body structure a (Francis, G. R., and R. H. Waterston. 1985. Muscle organization in Caenorhabditis elegans: localization of proteins implicated in thin filament attachment and I-band organization. J. Cell Biol. 101:1532-1549), was shown to recognize beta pat-3. Finally, immunocytochemical analysis revealed that beta pat-3 is expressed in the embryo and in many cell types postembryonically, including muscle, somatic gonad, and coelomocytes, suggesting multiple roles for integrin heterodimers containing this beta subunit in the developing animal.

scholarly journals NOVEL BIOINFORMATICS APPROACH DETECTS HUNDREDS OF PREVIOUSLY UNDETECTED SPLICED TRANSCRIPTS DISCOVERED FROM CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS GENOME

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Kashyap Luv ◽  
Kriti Shrivastava ◽  
Aakriti Shrivastava ◽  
Ugam Kumari Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
Chromosome 1 ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Full Genomic Sequence ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Alternatively Spliced

<p><strong>CONTEXT:</strong> With the completion of genome sequence of several organisms including free-living soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, precise genome annotations of this sea of raw information are now of prime importance, as they allow the accurate definition of generic regions. Alternative splicing is seen in nearly all metazoan organisms as a means for producing functionally diverse polypeptides from a single gene. <strong>AIM:</strong> In this study, we performed a detailed and in-depth analysis of the full genomic sequence of one of the six chromosomes of C. elegans. <strong>MATERIALS AND METHODS:</strong> In this study, several bioinformatics tools including gene/exon prediction programs, ORF finders, blast analysis tools, and alignment programs were used to analyze the genes/exons encoded by chromosome 1 of C. elegans with special reference to alternatively spliced transcripts. <strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Using these tools, we have predicted &gt;200 new alternatively spliced hypothetical transcripts from the genes encoded by chromosome 1 in C. elegans. These new spliced transcripts were identified from unusually large untranslated (UTR) regions and large introns present at the 3’ and 5’ ends of the genes with a maximum number of transcripts predicted from 5’ UTR analysis. Further studies and subsequent confirmation of these alternatively spliced transcripts will enhance our understanding of the genome structure, expression, and in elucidating their role during the development of C. elegans.</p>

scholarly journals Combined flow cytometry and high throughput image analysis for the study of essential genes in Caenorhabditis elegans

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca Hernando-Rodríguez ◽  
Annmary Paul Erinjeri ◽  
María Jesús Rodríguez-Palero ◽  
Val Millar ◽  
Sara González-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Rnai Screen ◽  
Essential Genes ◽  
Genetic Interactions ◽  
Automated Image Analysis ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Lethal Mutations

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe advancement in automated image based microscopy platforms coupled with high throughput liquid workflows has facilitated the design of large scale screens utilizing multicellular model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans to identify genetic interactions, therapeutic drugs or disease modifiers. However, the analysis of essential genes has lagged behind because lethal or sterile mutations pose a bottleneck for high throughput approaches.ResultsIn C. elegans, non-conditional lethal mutations can be maintained in heterozygosis using chromosome balancers, commonly labelled with GFP in the pharynx. Moreover gene-expression is typically monitored by the use of fluorescent reporters marked with the same fluorophore. Therefore, the separation of the different populations of animals at early larval stages represents a challenge. Here, we develop a sorting strategy capable of selecting homozygous mutants carrying a GFP stress reporter from GFP-balanced animals at early larval stages. Because sorting is not completely error-free, we develop an automated high-throughput image-analysis protocol that identifies and discards animals carrying the chromosome balancer. We demonstrate the experimental usefulness of combining sorting of homozygous lethal mutants and automated image-analysis in a functional genomic RNAi screen for genes that genetically interact with mitochondrial prohibitin (PHB). Lack of PHB results in embryonic lethality, while, homozygous PHB deletion mutants develop into sterile adults due to maternal contribution and strongly induce the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). In a chromosome-wide RNAi screen for C. elegans genes having human orthologues, we uncover both, known and new PHB genetic interactors affecting the UPRmt and growth.ConclusionsA systematic way to analyse genetic interactions of essential genes in multicellular organisms is lacking. The method presented here allows the study of balanced lethal mutations in a high-throughput manner and can be easily adapted depending on the user’s requirements. Therefore, it will serve as a useful resource for the C. elegans community for probing new biological aspects of essential nematode genes as well as the generation of more comprehensive genetic networks.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Dehydrin Gene from Ginkgo biloba

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongxiang Deng ◽  
Yiding Wang ◽  
Keji Jiang ◽  
Xuefen Liu ◽  
Weisheng Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ginkgo Biloba ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Living Fossil ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Shared Identity ◽  
Rapid Amplification

A full-length cDNA encoding a dehydrin was cloned from the living fossil plant Ginkgo biloba by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA, designated as GbDHN, was 813 bp long containing an open reading frame of 489 bp. The deduced GbDHN protein had 163 amino acid residues, which formed a 17 kDa polypeptide with a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 5.75. GbDHN had an S-segment and a K-segment, indicative of dehydrins, but no Y-segments. Homology analysis indicated that the S-segment and K-segment of GbDHN shared identity with those of other reported dehydrins, indicating that GbDHN belonged to dehydrin superfamily. Genomic sequence of GbDHN was also cloned using genomic walker technology. By comparing genomic DNA with the cDNA, it was found that there was a 257-bp intron in this gene. Promoter analysis indicated that it contained six CAAT boxes, one TATA box, one ABRE box and one GC-motif in the 5′-flanking region. Southern blot analysis revealed that GbDHN belonged to a single copy gene family. RT-PCR analysis revealed that GbDHN constitutively expressed in stems and roots. The increased expression of GbDHN was detected when G. biloba seedlings were treated with exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), salt stress and drought stress. These results indicate that the GbDHN has the potential to play a role in response to ABA and environmental stresses that can cause plant dehydration.

scholarly journals Regulation of Intermuscular Electrical Coupling by the Caenorhabditis elegans Innexin inx-6

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 2630-2644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaolin Li ◽  
Joseph A. Dent ◽  
Richard Roy
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Gap Junctions ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Electrical Coupling ◽  
Postembryonic Development ◽  
Restrictive Temperature ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Pharyngeal Muscles

The innexins represent a highly conserved protein family, the members of which make up the structural components of gap junctions in invertebrates. We have isolated and characterized a Caenorhabditis elegans gene inx-6 that encodes a new member of the innexin family required for the electrical coupling of pharyngeal muscles. inx-6(rr5) mutants complete embryogenesis without detectable abnormalities at restrictive temperature but fail to initiate postembryonic development after hatching. inx-6 is expressed in the pharynx at all larval stages, and an INX-6::GFP fusion protein showed a punctate expression pattern characteristic of gap junction proteins localized to plasma membrane plaques. Video recording and electropharyngeograms revealed that in inx-6(rr5) mutants the anterior pharyngeal (procorpus) muscles were electrically coupled to a lesser degree than the posterior metacorpus muscles, which caused a premature relaxation in the anterior pharynx and interfered with feeding. Dye-coupling experiments indicate that the gap junctions that link the procorpus to the metacorpus are functionally compromised in inx-6(rr5) mutants. We also show that another C. elegans innexin, EAT-5, can partially substitute for INX-6 function in vivo, underscoring their likely analogous function.

scholarly journals Promoters of the dhs-21 gene encoding dicarbonyl/l-xylulose reductase in Caenorhabditis elegans

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 359-365
Author(s):  
Lê Thọ Sơn ◽  
Joohong Ahnn ◽  
Jeong Hoon Cho ◽  
Nguyễn Huy Hoàng
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Vital Functions

Dicarbonyl/L-xylulose (DCXR) was identified as a dehydrogenase. This type of enzyme was presented in various forms of lives including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Generally, it converts L-xylulose to xylitol in the presence of either cofactor NADH or NADPH in vitro. Previous studies reported the biochemistry properties and crystal structure but largely uncovered biological roles of DCXRs. It was impossible to dissect the functions in mice or human cells that had many DCXR homologs in their genomes. Interestingly, the wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans, a well-known model organism in biological research, has only nuclear genomic dhs-21 that encodes a unique homologous DCXR. Thus Ce.dhs-21 and the host C. elegans were relevant for investigation of the physiologically-vital functions of the DCXR. This research aimed to the expression of dhs-21 in vivo. We defined three promoters , manipulated three relative reporter-constructs that conjugated the dhs-21 gene and Green Flouresent Protein (known as GFP) one. The construct vectors were transferred into wild-type C. elegans N2 and as well as the hermaphroditic loss of function dhs-21(jh129) by microinjection. In the results, we found that the expression pattern of dhs-21 under the only p2-promoter construct was stable and similar to immunogold Electric Microscopy (EM) images. The dhs-21 gene was expressed in both sexes of at all larval stages till the deaths of worms. DHS-21 was expressed in the cytosol of the intestinal, gonad sheath and uterous seam cell (utse).

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