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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

In Vivo Visualization of Calcium Transients during Fertilization and Early Development in C. elegans
Published on: July 12, 2024
Linking integrin to IP(3) signaling is important for ovulation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Xiaojian Xu1, Diana Lee, Hung-Ying Shih
1Department of Biology, Baylor University, One Bear Place 97388, Waco, TX 76798-7388, USA.
Abstract:
Signals from germ and myoepithelial sheath cells initiate ovulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. The coordinated dilation and contraction of spermatheca lead to subsequent fertilization of oocyte. Either the dominant negative mutant pat-3 beta integrin or disruption of talin expression block ovulation. Talin loss-of-function uncovers roles in cell contractility and migration in C. elegans. Role of beta pat-3 integrins in development and function of Caenorhabditis elegans muscles and gonads, suggesting that the interaction between the cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is also important for ovulation. Here, we report that integrin plays an essential role in fertility via IP(3) signaling. Sterility caused by RNAi of pat-3 and ECM molecules was suppressed by increased IP(3) signaling. Our data suggest that the cell-ECM interaction controls ovulation via IP(3) signaling.
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