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Veuthey T, Giunti S, De Rosa MJ, Alkema M, Rayes D. The neurohormone tyramine stimulates the secretion of an Insulin-Like Peptide from the intestine to modulate the systemic stress response in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579207. [PMID: 38370834 PMCID: PMC10871264 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The DAF-2/insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway plays an evolutionarily conserved role in regulating reproductive development, lifespan, and stress resistance. In C. elegans , DAF-2/IIS signaling is modulated by an extensive array of insulin-like peptides (ILPs) with diverse spatial and temporal expression patterns. However, the release dynamics and specific functions of these ILPs in adapting to different environmental conditions remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the ILP, INS-3, plays a crucial role in modulating the response to different types of stressors in C. elegans . ins-3 mutants display increased resistance to both heat and oxidative stress; however, under favorable conditions, this advantage is countered by slower reproductive development. ins-3 expression in both neurons and the intestine is downregulated in response to environmental stressors. Conversely, the neurohormone tyramine, which is released during the acute flight response, triggers an upregulation in ins-3 expression. Moreover, we found that tyramine negatively impacts environmental stress resistance by stimulating the release of INS-3 from the intestine. The subsequent release of INS-3 systemically activates the DAF-2 pathway, resulting in the inhibition of cytoprotective mechanisms mediated by DAF-16/FOXO and HSF-1. These studies offer mechanistic insights into the brain-gut communication pathway that weighs adaptive strategies to respond to acute and long-term stress scenarios.
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Pohl F, Germann AL, Mao J, Hou S, Bakare B, Kong Thoo Lin P, Yates K, Nonet ML, Akk G, Kornfeld K, Held JM. UNC-49 is a redox-sensitive GABA A receptor that regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response cell nonautonomously. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2584. [PMID: 37910615 PMCID: PMC10619936 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) system participates in many aspects of organismal physiology and disease, including proteostasis, neuronal dysfunction, and life-span extension. Many of these phenotypes are also regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the redox mechanisms linking the GABAergic system to these phenotypes are not well defined. Here, we report that GABAergic redox signaling cell nonautonomously activates many stress response pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans and enhances vulnerability to proteostasis disease in the absence of oxidative stress. Cell nonautonomous redox activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) proteostasis network requires UNC-49, a GABAA receptor that we show is activated by hydrogen peroxide. MitoUPR induction by a spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) C. elegans neurodegenerative disease model was similarly dependent on UNC-49 in C. elegans. These results demonstrate a multi-tissue paradigm for redox signaling in the GABAergic system that is transduced via a GABAA receptor to function in cell nonautonomous regulation of health, proteostasis, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Pohl
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Allison L. Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jack Mao
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sydney Hou
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bayode Bakare
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul Kong Thoo Lin
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kyari Yates
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Michael L. Nonet
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kerry Kornfeld
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jason M. Held
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Gruss MJ, O’Callaghan C, Donnellan M, Corsi AK. A Twist-Box domain of the C. elegans Twist homolog, HLH-8, plays a complex role in transcriptional regulation. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad066. [PMID: 37067863 PMCID: PMC10411555 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor in humans that functions in mesoderm differentiation. TWIST1 primarily regulates genes as a transcriptional repressor often through TWIST-Box domain-mediated protein-protein interactions. The TWIST-Box also can function as an activation domain requiring 3 conserved, equidistant amino acids (LXXXFXXXR). Autosomal dominant mutations in TWIST1, including 2 reported in these conserved amino acids (F187L and R191M), lead to craniofacial defects in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS). Caenorhabditis elegans has a single TWIST1 homolog, HLH-8, that functions in the differentiation of the muscles responsible for egg laying and defecation. Null alleles in hlh-8 lead to severely egg-laying defective and constipated animals due to defects in the corresponding muscles. TWIST1 and HLH-8 share sequence identity in their bHLH regions; however, the domain responsible for the transcriptional activity of HLH-8 is unknown. Sequence alignment suggests that HLH-8 has a TWIST-Box LXXXFXXXR motif; however, its function also is unknown. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was utilized to generate a domain deletion and several missense mutations, including those analogous to SCS patients, in the 3 conserved HLH-8 amino acids to investigate their functional role. The TWIST-Box alleles did not phenocopy hlh-8 null mutants. The strongest phenotype detected was a retentive (Ret) phenotype with late-stage embryos in the hermaphrodite uterus. Further, GFP reporters of HLH-8 downstream target genes (arg-1::gfp and egl-15::gfp) revealed tissue-specific, target-specific, and allele-specific defects. Overall, the TWIST-Box in HLH-8 is partially required for the protein's transcriptional activity, and the conserved amino acids contribute unequally to the domain's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Gruss
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Colleen O’Callaghan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Molly Donnellan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Ann K Corsi
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
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Sparling AC, King DE, Meyer JN. rol-6 and dpy-10C. elegans mutants have normal mitochondrial function after normalizing to delayed development. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000798. [PMID: 37215639 PMCID: PMC10193146 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Collagen mutations are commonly used in the creation of Caenorhabditis elegans transgenic strains, but their secondary effects are not fully characterized . We compared the mitochondrial function of N2, dpy-10, rol-6, and PE255 C. elegans . N2 worms exhibited ~2-fold greater volume, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and nuclear DNA copy number than collagen mutants (p<0.05). Whole-worm respirometry and ATP levels were higher in N2 worms, but differences in respirometry largely disappeared after normalization to mitochondrial DNA copy number. This data suggests that rol-6 and dpy-10 mutants are developmentally delayed but have comparable mitochondrial function to N2 worms once the data is normalized to developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dillon E. King
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham NC
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham NC
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5
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Thapliyal S, Glauser DA. Neurogenetic Analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurogenetics 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07793-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Crittenden SL, Seidel HS, Kimble J. Analysis of the C. elegans Germline Stem Cell Pool. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2677:1-36. [PMID: 37464233 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3259-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans germline is an excellent model for studying the genetic and molecular regulation of stem cell self-renewal and progression of cells from a stem cell state to a differentiated state. The germline tissue is organized in an assembly line with the germline stem cell (GSC) pool at one end and differentiated gametes at the other. A simple mesenchymal niche caps the GSC pool and maintains GSCs in an undifferentiated state by signaling through the conserved Notch pathway. Notch signaling activates transcription of the key GSC regulators lst-1 and sygl-1 proteins in a gradient through the GSC pool. LST-1 and SYGL-1 proteins work with PUF RNA regulators in a self-renewal hub to maintain the GSC pool. In this chapter, we present methods for characterizing the C. elegans GSC pool and early stages of germ cell differentiation. The methods include examination of germlines in living and fixed worms, cell cycle analysis, and analysis of markers. We also discuss assays to separate mutant phenotypes that affect the stem cell vs. differentiation decision from those that affect germ cell processes more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Crittenden
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Hannah S Seidel
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Judith Kimble
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Ewe CK, Sommermann EM, Kenchel J, Flowers SE, Maduro MF, Joshi PM, Rothman JH. Feedforward regulatory logic controls the specification-to-differentiation transition and terminal cell fate during Caenorhabditis elegans endoderm development. Development 2022; 149:dev200337. [PMID: 35758255 PMCID: PMC10656426 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The architecture of gene regulatory networks determines the specificity and fidelity of developmental outcomes. We report that the core regulatory circuitry for endoderm development in Caenorhabditis elegans operates through a transcriptional cascade consisting of six sequentially expressed GATA-type factors that act in a recursive series of interlocked feedforward modules. This structure results in sequential redundancy, in which removal of a single factor or multiple alternate factors in the cascade leads to a mild or no effect on gut development, whereas elimination of any two sequential factors invariably causes a strong phenotype. The phenotypic strength is successfully predicted with a computational model based on the timing and levels of transcriptional states. We found that one factor in the middle of the cascade, END-1, which straddles the distinct events of specification and differentiation, functions in both processes. Finally, we reveal roles for key GATA factors in establishing spatial regulatory state domains by repressing other fates, thereby defining boundaries in the digestive tract. Our findings provide a paradigm that could account for the genetic redundancy observed in many developmental regulatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Kiang Ewe
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Erica M. Sommermann
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Josh Kenchel
- Program in Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sagen E. Flowers
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Morris F. Maduro
- Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology Department, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Pradeep M. Joshi
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Joel H. Rothman
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Program in Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Jeong H, Park JY, Lee JH, Baik JH, Kim CY, Cho JY, Driscoll M, Paik YK. Deficiency in RCAT-1 Function Causes Dopamine Metabolism Related Behavioral Disorders in Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042393. [PMID: 35216508 PMCID: PMC8879058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
When animals are faced with food depletion, food search-associated locomotion is crucial for their survival. Although food search-associated locomotion is known to be regulated by dopamine, it has yet to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of genes involved in dopamine metabolism (e.g., cat-1, cat-2) and related behavioral disorders. During the studies of the pheromone ascaroside, a signal of starvation stress in C. elegans, we identified R02D3.7, renamed rcat-1 (regulator of cat genes-1), which had previously been shown to bind to regulatory sequences of both cat-1 and cat-2 genes. It was found that RCAT-1 (R02D3.7) is expressed in dopaminergic neurons and functions as a novel negative transcriptional regulator for cat-1 and cat-2 genes. When a food source becomes depleted, the null mutant, rcat-1(ok1745), exhibited an increased frequency of high-angled turns and intensified area restricted search behavior compared to the wild-type animals. Moreover, rcat-1(ok1745) also showed defects in state-dependent olfactory adaptation and basal slowing response, suggesting that the mutants are deficient in either sensing food or locomotion toward food. However, rcat-1(ok1745) has normal cuticular structures and locomotion genes. The discovery of rcat-1 not only identifies a new subtype of dopamine-related behaviors but also provides a potential therapeutic target in Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haelim Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (H.J.); (J.-H.L.)
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.P.); (C.-Y.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Jun Young Park
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.P.); (C.-Y.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (H.J.); (J.-H.L.)
| | - Ja-Hyun Baik
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Chae-Yeon Kim
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.P.); (C.-Y.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in Integrative Omics for Biomedical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jin-Young Cho
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.P.); (C.-Y.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in Integrative Omics for Biomedical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Monica Driscoll
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA;
| | - Young-Ki Paik
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (H.J.); (J.-H.L.)
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.Y.P.); (C.-Y.K.); (J.-Y.C.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in Integrative Omics for Biomedical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2123-4242
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9
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Hwang HY, Wang J. Fast genetic mapping using insertion-deletion polymorphisms in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11017. [PMID: 34040027 PMCID: PMC8155061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mapping is used in forward genetics to narrow the list of candidate mutations and genes corresponding to the mutant phenotype of interest. Even with modern advances in biology such as efficient identification of candidate mutations by whole-genome sequencing, mapping remains critical in pinpointing the responsible mutation. Here we describe a simple, fast, and affordable mapping toolkit that is particularly suitable for mapping in Caenorhabditis elegans. This mapping method uses insertion-deletion polymorphisms or indels that could be easily detected instead of single nucleotide polymorphisms in commonly used Hawaiian CB4856 mapping strain. The materials and methods were optimized so that mapping could be performed using tiny amount of genetic material without growing many large populations of mutants for DNA purification. We performed mapping of previously known and unknown mutations to show strengths and weaknesses of this method and to present examples of completed mapping. For situations where Hawaiian CB4856 is unsuitable, we provide an annotated list of indels as a basis for fast and easy mapping using other wild isolates. Finally, we provide rationale for using this mapping method over other alternatives as a part of a comprehensive strategy also involving whole-genome sequencing and other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Yon Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E8410, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E8410, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Thurman M, Sun H, Kubica S, Praitis V. The slo-1 BK potassium channel interacts genetically with pmr-1 secretory pathway calcium ATPase during C. elegans embryonic cell migration. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2021; 2021. [PMID: 33474530 PMCID: PMC7812384 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Haonan Sun
- Grinnell College, Grinnell IA, 50112 USA
| | - Sam Kubica
- Grinnell College, Grinnell IA, 50112 USA
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Harnessing the power of genetics: fast forward genetics in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mol Genet Genomics 2020; 296:1-20. [PMID: 32888055 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-020-01721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Forward genetics is a powerful tool to unravel molecular mechanisms of diverse biological processes. The success of genetic screens primarily relies on the ease of genetic manipulation of an organism and the availability of a plethora of genetic tools. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has been one of the favorite models for genetic studies due to its hermaphroditic lifestyle, ease of maintenance, and availability of various genetic manipulation tools. The strength of C. elegans genetics is highlighted by the leading role of this organism in the discovery of several conserved biological processes. In this review, the principles and strategies for forward genetics in C. elegans are discussed. Further, the recent advancements that have drastically accelerated the otherwise time-consuming process of mutation identification, making forward genetic screens a method of choice for understanding biological functions, are discussed. The emphasis of the review has been on providing practical and conceptual pointers for designing genetic screens that will identify mutations, specifically disrupting the biological processes of interest.
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Pohl F, Teixeira-Castro A, Costa MD, Lindsay V, Fiúza-Fernandes J, Goua M, Bermano G, Russell W, Maciel P, Kong Thoo Lin P. GST-4-Dependent Suppression of Neurodegeneration in C. elegans Models of Parkinson's and Machado-Joseph Disease by Rapeseed Pomace Extract Supplementation. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1091. [PMID: 31680826 PMCID: PMC6811615 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations and aging-associated oxidative damage underlie the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD). Natural products derived from plants have been regarded as important sources of novel bioactive compounds to counteract neurodegeneration. Here, we tested the neuroprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of rapeseed pomace (RSP), a rapeseed (canola) oil production by-product, in C. elegans models of MJD and PD. The extract, containing sinapine and other phenolics, restored motor function of mutant ataxin-3 (ATXN3) animals (MJD) and prevented degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in one toxin-induced and two genetic models of PD. Whole-organism sensors of antioxidant and xenobiotic response activation revealed the induction of phase II detoxification enzymes, including glutathione S- transferase (GST-4) upon RSP extract supplementation. Furthermore in vivo pharmacogenetic studies confirmed gst-4 is required for the therapeutic effect of RSP extract in the two disease models. The results suggest that GST-4-mediated antioxidant pathways may constitute promising therapeutic co-targets for neurodegenerative diseases and confirm the utility of searching for bioactive compounds in novel sources, including food and agricultural waste/by-products, such as RSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Pohl
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marta Daniela Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Victoria Lindsay
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Juliana Fiúza-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marie Goua
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanna Bermano
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Russell
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paul Kong Thoo Lin
- School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Brewer JC, Olson AC, Collins KM, Koelle MR. Serotonin and neuropeptides are both released by the HSN command neuron to initiate Caenorhabditis elegans egg laying. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007896. [PMID: 30677018 PMCID: PMC6363226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons typically release both a small-molecule neurotransmitter and one or more neuropeptides, but how these two types of signal from the same neuron might act together remains largely obscure. For example, serotonergic neurons in mammalian brain express the neuropeptide Substance P, but it is unclear how this co-released neuropeptide might modulate serotonin signaling. We studied this issue in C. elegans, in which all serotonergic neurons express the neuropeptide NLP-3. The serotonergic Hermaphrodite Specific Neurons (HSNs) are command motor neurons within the egg-laying circuit which have been shown to release serotonin to initiate egg-laying behavior. We found that egg-laying defects in animals lacking serotonin were far milder than in animals lacking HSNs, suggesting that HSNs must release other signal(s) in addition to serotonin to stimulate egg laying. While null mutants for nlp-3 had only mild egg-laying defects, animals lacking both serotonin and NLP-3 had severe defects, similar to those of animals lacking HSNs. Optogenetic activation of HSNs induced egg laying in wild-type animals, and in mutant animals lacking either serotonin or NLP-3, but failed to induce egg laying in animals lacking both. We recorded calcium activity in the egg-laying muscles of animals lacking either serotonin, NLP-3, or both. The single mutants, and to a greater extent the double mutant, showed muscle activity that was uncoordinated and unable to expel eggs. Specifically, the vm2 muscles cells, which are direct postsynaptic targets of the HSN, failed to contract simultaneously with other egg-laying muscle cells. Our results show that the HSN neurons use serotonin and the neuropeptide NLP-3 as partially redundant co-transmitters that together stimulate and coordinate activity of the target cells onto which they are released. Activity of the brain results from neurons communicating with each other using chemical signals. A typical neuron releases two kinds of chemical signals: a small molecule neurotransmitter, such as serotonin, and one or more small proteins, called neuropeptides. For example, neurons in the human brain that release serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to be involved in depression, also release the neuropeptide Substance P. Neuroscientists have typically studied the effects of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides separately, without considering how these two types of signals from the same neuron might be integrated. Here we analyzed how specific neurons in the model organism C. elegans use both serotonin and a neuropeptide together. The Hermaphrodite Specific Neurons (HSNs) activate a small group of neurons and muscles to generate egg-laying behavior. Killing the HSNs resulted in animals unable to lay eggs, but we found that eliminating either serotonin or the neuropeptide resulted in HSNs that still remained able to activate egg laying. However, eliminating both serotonin and the neuropeptide resulted in HSNs unable to activate coordinated contractions of the egg-laying muscles. Our results show that in a living animal, serotonin acts in concert with a co-released neuropeptide to carry out its functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Brewer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Andrew C. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kevin M. Collins
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Koelle
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mohammad A, Vanden Broek K, Wang C, Daryabeigi A, Jantsch V, Hansen D, Schedl T. Initiation of Meiotic Development Is Controlled by Three Post-transcriptional Pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2018; 209:1197-1224. [PMID: 29941619 PMCID: PMC6063227 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A major event in germline development is the transition from stem/progenitor cells to entry into meiosis and gametogenesis. This transition requires downregulation of mitotic cell cycle activity and upregulation of processes associated with meiosis. We identify the Caenorhabditis elegans SCFPROM-1 E3 ubiquitin-ligase complex as functioning to downregulate mitotic cell cycle protein levels including cyclin E, WAPL-1, and KNL-2 at meiotic entry and, independently, promoting homologous chromosome pairing as a positive regulator of the CHK-2 kinase. SCFPROM-1 is thus a novel regulator of meiotic entry, coordinating downregulation of mitotic cell cycle proteins and promoting homolog pairing. We further show that SCFPROM-1 functions redundantly, in parallel to the previously described GLD-1 and GLD-2 meiotic entry pathways, downstream of and inhibited by GLP-1 Notch signaling, which specifies the stem cell fate. Accordingly, C. elegans employs three post-transcriptional pathways, SCFPROM-1-mediated protein degradation, GLD-1-mediated translational repression, and GLD-2-mediated translational activation, to control and coordinate the initiation of meiotic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariz Mohammad
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Kara Vanden Broek
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Christopher Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Anahita Daryabeigi
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, 1030, Austria
| | - Verena Jantsch
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, 1030, Austria
| | - Dave Hansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Tim Schedl
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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15
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Krauchunas AR, Mendez E, Ni JZ, Druzhinina M, Mulia A, Parry J, Gu SG, Stanfield GM, Singson A. spe-43 is required for sperm activation in C. elegans. Dev Biol 2018; 436:75-83. [PMID: 29477340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful fertilization requires that sperm are activated prior to contacting an oocyte. In C. elegans, this activation process, called spermiogenesis, transforms round immobile spermatids into motile, fertilization-competent spermatozoa. We describe the phenotypic and genetic characterization of spe-43, a new component of the spe-8 pathway, which is required for spermiogenesis in hermaphrodites; spe-43 hermaphrodites are self-sterile, while spe-43 males show wild-type fertility. When exposed to Pronase to activate sperm in vitro, spe-43 spermatids form long rigid spikes radiating outward from the cell periphery instead of forming a motile pseudopod, indicating that spermiogenesis initiates but is not completed. Using a combination of recombinant and deletion mapping and whole genome sequencing, we identified F09E8.1 as spe-43. SPE-43 is predicted to exist in two isoforms; one isoform appears to be a single-pass transmembrane protein while the other is predicted to be a secreted protein. SPE-43 can bind to other known sperm proteins, including SPE-4 and SPE-29, which are known to impact spermiogenesis. In summary, we have identified a membrane protein that is present in C. elegans sperm and is required for sperm activation via the hermaphrodite activation signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber R Krauchunas
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Ernesto Mendez
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Julie Zhouli Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Marina Druzhinina
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Amanda Mulia
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jean Parry
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Sam Guoping Gu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Andrew Singson
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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16
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Hoang N, Zhang X, Zhang C, Vo V, Leng F, Saxena L, Yin F, Lu F, Zheng G, Bhowmik P, Zhang H. New histone demethylase LSD1 inhibitor selectively targets teratocarcinoma and embryonic carcinoma cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:1523-1537. [PMID: 29439916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
LSD1/KDM1 is a histone demethylase that preferentially removes methyl groups from the mono- and di-methylated lysine 4 in histone H3 (H3K4), key marks for active chromatin for transcriptional activation. LSD1 is essential for pluripotent embryonic stem cells and embryonic teratocarcinoma/carcinoma cells and its expression is often elevated in various cancers. We developed a new LSD1 inhibitor, CBB3001, which potently inhibited LSD1 activity both in vitro and in vivo. CBB3001 also selectively inhibited the growth of human ovarian teratocarcinoma PA-1 and mouse embryonic carcinoma F9 cells, caused the downregulation of pluripotent stem cell proteins SOX2 and OCT4. However, CBB3001 does not have significant inhibition on the growth of human colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cells or mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells that do not express these stem cell proteins. Our studies strongly indicate that CBB3001 is a specific LSD1 inhibitor that selectively inhibits teratocarcinoma and embryonic carcinoma cells that express SOX2 and OCT4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Hoang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Chunxiao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA; School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Van Vo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Feng Leng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA; School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lovely Saxena
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Feng Yin
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fei Lu
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Pradip Bhowmik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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17
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Vibert L, Daulny A, Jarriault S. Wound healing, cellular regeneration and plasticity: the elegans way. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 62:491-505. [PMID: 29938761 PMCID: PMC6161810 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.180123sj] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration and wound healing are complex processes that allow organs and tissues to regain their integrity and functionality after injury. Wound healing, a key property of epithelia, involves tissue closure that in some cases leads to scar formation. Regeneration, a process rather limited in mammals, is the capacity to regrow (parts of) an organ or a tissue, after damage or amputation. What are the properties of organs and the features of tissue permitting functional regrowth and repair? What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes? These questions are crucial both in fundamental and applied contexts, with important medical implications. The mechanisms and cells underlying tissue repair have thus been the focus of intense investigation. The last decades have seen rapid progress in the domain and new models emerging. Here, we review the fundamental advances and the perspectives that the use of C. elegans as a model have brought to the mechanisms of wound healing and cellular plasticity, axon regeneration and transdifferentiation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vibert
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, IGBMC (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Daulny
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, IGBMC (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Jarriault
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, IGBMC (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire), CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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18
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Abstract
Numerous approaches have been taken in the hunt for human disease genes. The identification of such genes not only provides a great deal of information about the mechanism of disease development, but also provides potential avenues for better diagnosis and treatment. In this chapter, we review the use of the nonmammalian model organism C. elegans for the identification of human disease genes. Studies utilizing this relatively simple organism offer a good balance between the ability to recapitulate many aspects of human disease, while still offering an abundance of powerful cell biological, genetic, and genomic tools for disease gene discovery. C. elegans and other nonmammalian models have produced, and will continue to produce, key insights into human disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Apfeld
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Scott Alper
- Department of Biomedical Research, Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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19
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Fridolfsson HN, Herrera LA, Brandt JN, Cain NE, Hermann GJ, Starr DA. Genetic Analysis of Nuclear Migration and Anchorage to Study LINC Complexes During Development of Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1840:163-180. [PMID: 30141045 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8691-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Studying nuclear positioning in developing tissues of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans greatly contributed to the discovery of SUN and KASH proteins and the formation of the LINC model. Such studies continue to make important contributions into both how LINC complexes are regulated and how defects in LINC components disrupt normal development. The methods described explain how to observe and quantify the following: nuclear migration in embryonic dorsal hypodermal cells, nuclear migration through constricted spaces in larval P cells, nuclear positioning in the embryonic intestinal primordia, and nuclear anchorage in syncytial hypodermal cells. These methods will allow others to employ nuclear positioning in C. elegans as a model to further explore LINC complex regulation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi N Fridolfsson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Leslie A Herrera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James N Brandt
- Department of Biology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Natalie E Cain
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Greg J Hermann
- Department of Biology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel A Starr
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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20
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Groh N, Gallotta I, Lechler MC, Huang C, Jung R, David DC. Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29286457 DOI: 10.3791/56464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), has grown. These age-associated disorders are characterized by the appearance of protein aggregates with fibrillary structure in the brains of these patients. Exactly why normally soluble proteins undergo an aggregation process remains poorly understood. The discovery that protein aggregation is not limited to disease processes and instead part of the normal aging process enables the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate protein aggregation, without using ectopically expressed human disease-associated proteins. Here we describe methodologies to examine inherent protein aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans through complementary approaches. First, we examine how to grow large numbers of age-synchronized C. elegans to obtain aged animals and we present the biochemical procedures to isolate highly-insoluble-large aggregates. In combination with a targeted genetic knockdown, it is possible to dissect the role of a gene of interest in promoting or preventing age-dependent protein aggregation by using either a comprehensive analysis with quantitative mass spectrometry or a candidate-based analysis with antibodies. These findings are then confirmed by in vivo analysis with transgenic animals expressing fluorescent-tagged aggregation-prone proteins. These methods should help clarify why certain proteins are prone to aggregate with age and ultimately how to keep these proteins fully functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Groh
- Protein Aggregation and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE); Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
| | - Ivan Gallotta
- Protein Aggregation and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
| | - Marie C Lechler
- Protein Aggregation and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE); Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
| | - Chaolie Huang
- Protein Aggregation and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
| | - Raimund Jung
- Protein Aggregation and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
| | - Della C David
- Protein Aggregation and Aging, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE);
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21
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Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans germline is an excellent model for studying the regulation of a pool of stem cells and progression of cells from a stem cell state to a differentiated state. At the tissue level, the germline is organized in an assembly line with the germline stem cell (GSC) pool at one end and differentiated cells at the other. A simple mesenchymal niche caps the GSC region of the germline and maintains GSCs in an undifferentiated state by signaling through the conserved Notch pathway. Downstream of Notch signaling, key regulators include novel LST-1 and SYGL-1 proteins and a network of RNA regulatory proteins. In this chapter we present methods for characterizing the C. elegans GSC pool and early germ cell differentiation. The methods include examination of the germline in living and fixed worms, cell cycle analysis, and analysis of markers. We also discuss assays to separate mutants that affect the stem cell vs. differentiation decision from those that affect germ cell processes more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Crittenden
- HHMI/Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI, 53706-1544, USA.
| | - Hannah S Seidel
- HHMI/Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI, 53706-1544, USA
| | - Judith Kimble
- HHMI/Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI, 53706-1544, USA
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22
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Doitsidou M, Jarriault S, Poole RJ. Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Approaches for Mutation Mapping and Identification in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2016; 204:451-474. [PMID: 27729495 PMCID: PMC5068839 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.186197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the way phenotypic traits are assigned to genes. In this review, we describe NGS-based methods for mapping a mutation and identifying its molecular identity, with an emphasis on applications in Caenorhabditis elegans In addition to an overview of the general principles and concepts, we discuss the main methods, provide practical and conceptual pointers, and guide the reader in the types of bioinformatics analyses that are required. Owing to the speed and the plummeting costs of NGS-based methods, mapping and cloning a mutation of interest has become straightforward, quick, and relatively easy. Removing this bottleneck previously associated with forward genetic screens has significantly advanced the use of genetics to probe fundamental biological processes in an unbiased manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Doitsidou
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland
| | - Sophie Jarriault
- L'Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7104/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U964, Université de Strasbourg, 67404, France
| | - Richard J Poole
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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23
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Neal SJ, Park J, DiTirro D, Yoon J, Shibuya M, Choi W, Schroeder FC, Butcher RA, Kim K, Sengupta P. A Forward Genetic Screen for Molecules Involved in Pheromone-Induced Dauer Formation in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2016; 6:1475-87. [PMID: 26976437 PMCID: PMC4856098 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.026450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Animals must constantly assess their surroundings and integrate sensory cues to make appropriate behavioral and developmental decisions. Pheromones produced by conspecific individuals provide critical information regarding environmental conditions. Ascaroside pheromone concentration and composition are instructive in the decision of Caenorhabditis elegans to either develop into a reproductive adult or enter into the stress-resistant alternate dauer developmental stage. Pheromones are sensed by a small set of sensory neurons, and integrated with additional environmental cues, to regulate neuroendocrine signaling and dauer formation. To identify molecules required for pheromone-induced dauer formation, we performed an unbiased forward genetic screen and identified phd (pheromone response-defective dauer) mutants. Here, we describe new roles in dauer formation for previously identified neuronal molecules such as the WD40 domain protein QUI-1 and MACO-1 Macoilin, report new roles for nociceptive neurons in modulating pheromone-induced dauer formation, and identify tau tubulin kinases as new genes involved in dauer formation. Thus, phd mutants define loci required for the detection, transmission, or integration of pheromone signals in the regulation of dauer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Neal
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454 National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454
| | - JiSoo Park
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 711-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Danielle DiTirro
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454 National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454
| | - Jason Yoon
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454 National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454
| | - Mayumi Shibuya
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454 National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454
| | - Woochan Choi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 711-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Frank C Schroeder
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Rebecca A Butcher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Kyuhyung Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 711-873, Republic of Korea
| | - Piali Sengupta
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454 National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454
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Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase promotes hypoxic survival by activating the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2113. [PMID: 26913604 PMCID: PMC4849163 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in the mouse nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase type 1 (Nmnat1) produce two remarkable phenotypes: protection against traumatic axonal degeneration and reduced hypoxic brain injury. Despite intensive efforts, the mechanism of Nmnat1 cytoprotection remains elusive. To develop a new model to define this mechanism, we heterologously expressed a mouse Nmnat1 non-nuclear-localized gain-of-function mutant gene (m-nonN-Nmnat1) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and show that it provides protection from both hypoxia-induced animal death and taxol-induced axonal pathology. Additionally, we find that m-nonN-Nmnat1 significantly lengthens C. elegans lifespan. Using the hypoxia-protective phenotype in C. elegans, we performed a candidate screen for genetic suppressors of m-nonN-Nmnat1 cytoprotection. Loss of function in two genes, haf-1 and dve-1, encoding mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) factors were identified as suppressors. M-nonN-Nmnat1 induced a transcriptional reporter of the mitoUPR gene hsp-6 and provided protection from the mitochondrial proteostasis toxin ethidium bromide. M-nonN-Nmnat1 was also protective against axonal degeneration in C. elegans induced by the chemotherapy drug taxol. Taxol markedly reduced basal expression of a mitoUPR reporter; the expression was restored by m-nonN-Nmnat1. Taken together, these data implicate the mitoUPR as a mechanism whereby Nmnat1 protects from hypoxic and axonal injury.
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25
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Barrett A, Hermann GJ. A Caenorhabditis elegans Homologue of LYST Functions in Endosome and Lysosome-Related Organelle Biogenesis. Traffic 2016; 17:515-35. [PMID: 26822177 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
LYST-1 is a Caenorhabditis elegans BEACH domain containing protein (BDCP) homologous to LYST and NBEAL2, BDCPs controlling organelle biogenesis that are implicated in human disease. Unlike the three other BDCPs encoded by C. elegans, mutations in lyst-1 lead to smaller lysosome-related organelles (LROs), smaller lysosomes, increased numbers of LROs and decreased numbers of early endosomes. lyst-1(-) mutations do not obviously disrupt protein trafficking to lysosomes or LROs, however, the formation of gut granules is diminished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Barrett
- Department of Biology, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd., Portland, OR, 97219, USA
| | - Greg J Hermann
- Department of Biology, Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd., Portland, OR, 97219, USA
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