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Cell signals allow the expression of a pre-existent neural pattern in C. elegans
D A Waring1, L Wrischnik, C Kenyon
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0554.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Cell-cell contact and signaling are essential for neuroblast formation in C. elegans V cells. However, specific genes (lin-22, pal-1) determine which cells can respond, acting permissively, not instructively.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell signaling
- Genetics
Background:
- Epidermal precursor cells (V1-V6) in C. elegans exhibit a specific developmental pattern.
- Typically, V5 generates a postdeirid neuroblast, while other V cells form epidermal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cell contact and signaling in V5 neuroblast formation.
- To understand the genetic control determining which V cells can produce neuroblasts.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of V cell interactions in C. elegans.
- Analysis of gene expression and function of lin-22 and pal-1.
Main Results:
- Close or direct contact between neighboring V cells is necessary for postdeirid neuroblast formation.
- Intercellular signaling is required, but permissive rather than instructive.
- Homeotic genes lin-22 and pal-1 regulate cell responsiveness to signals, preventing neuroblast formation in specific regions.
Conclusions:
- Cell signaling plays a permissive role in neuroblast induction.
- The homeotic genes lin-22 and pal-1 act as gatekeepers, controlling cell fate by modulating response to signals.