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Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline
08:40

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Active ERK in the C. elegans Germline

Published on: November 29, 2016

PKC-1 acts with the ERK MAPK signaling pathway to regulate Caenorhabditis elegans mechanosensory response

R Hyde1, M E Corkins, G A Somers

  • 1Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Cancer Research, Charlestown, MA, USA.

Genes, Brain, and Behavior
|December 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Two protein kinase C (PKC) genes in C. elegans are crucial for touch sensation. PKC-1 and the ERK/MAPK pathway function together in neurons to control mechanosensory response.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Protein kinase C (PKC) proteins have diverse roles, but their specific in vivo functions and targets remain unclear.
  • Understanding specific PKC gene functions is essential for deciphering complex cellular signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vivo roles of specific PKC genes in Caenorhabditis elegans.
  • To identify functional targets of PKC activation in mechanosensory response.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis in C. elegans to study the function of PKC genes pkc-1 and tpa-1.
  • Examined the role of the nPKCε/η ortholog, pkc-1, in adult mechanosensory response.
  • Investigated the involvement of the ERK/MAPK pathway and lin-45 Raf in mechanosensation.

Main Results:

  • pkc-1 and tpa-1 are required for mechanosensory response in C. elegans.
  • pkc-1 functions in interneurons that regulate locomotion, receiving input from mechanosensory neurons.
  • The extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway is essential for mechanosensory response.
  • lin-45 Raf acts in the mechanosensory circuit interneurons.
  • pkc-1 and lin-45 genetically interact to regulate nose touch response.

Conclusions:

  • PKC genes play distinct in vivo roles in neuronal function.
  • Functionally links the PKC and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways in C. elegans neurons.
  • Identifies specific neuronal circuits where these pathways interact to mediate mechanosensory response.

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