Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Visualizing Neuroblast Cytokinesis During C. elegans Embryogenesis
Published on: March 12, 2014
CHE-3, a cytosolic dynein heavy chain, is required for sensory cilia structure and function in Caenorhabditis elegans
S R Wicks1, C J de Vries, H G van Luenen
1Division of Molecular Biology, Center for Biomedical Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, 1066 CX, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Forward genetic screens using novel assays of nematode chemotaxis to soluble compounds identified three independent transposon-insertion mutations in the gene encoding the Caenorhabditis elegans dynein heavy chain (DHC) 1b isoform. These disruptions were mapped and cloned using a newly developed PCR-based transposon display. The mutations were demonstrated to be allelic to the che-3 genetic locus. This isoform of dynein shows temporally and spatially restricted expression in ciliated sensory neurons, and mutants show progressive developmental defects of the chemosensory cilia. These results are consistent with a role for this motor protein in the process of intraflagellar transport; DHC 1b acts in concert with a number of other proteins to establish and maintain the structural integrity of the ciliated sensory endings in C. elegans.
Related Concept Videos
Microtubule Associated Motor Proteins
The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Microtubules in Signaling
Role of Septins
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...

