Abstract
mel-28 (maternal-effect-lethal-28) encodes a conserved protein required for nuclear envelope function and chromosome segregation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Because mel-28 is a strict maternal-effect lethal gene, its function is required in the early embryo but appears to be dispensable for larval development. We wanted to test the idea that mel-28 has postembryonic roles that are buffered by the contributions of other genes. To find genes that act coordinately with mel-28, we did an RNA interference2based genetic interaction screen using mel-28 and wild-type larvae. We screened 18,364 clones and identified 65 genes that cause sterility in mel-28 but not wild-type worms. Some of these genes encode components of the nuclear pore. In addition we identified genes involved in dynein and dynactin function, vesicle transport, and cell-matrix attachments. By screening mel-28 larvae we have bypassed the requirement for mel-28 in the embryo, uncovering pleiotropic functions for mel-28 later in development that are normally provided by other genes. This work contributes toward revealing the gene networks that underlie cellular processes and reveals roles for a maternal-effect lethal gene later in development.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 185-196 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- C. elegans
- Germline
- Gonad
- Synthetic sterility
- mel-28
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Genetics(clinical)