Back to Search
Start Over
Otx/otd homeobox genes specify distinct sensory neuron identities in C. elegans.
- Source :
-
Developmental cell [Dev Cell] 2003 Oct; Vol. 5 (4), pp. 621-33. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- The mechanisms by which the diverse functional identities of neurons are generated are poorly understood. C. elegans responds to thermal and chemical stimuli using 12 types of sensory neurons. The Otx/otd homolog ttx-1 specifies the identities of the AFD thermosensory neurons. We show here that ceh-36 and ceh-37, the remaining two Otx-like genes in the C. elegans genome, specify the identities of AWC, ASE, and AWB chemosensory neurons, defining a role for this gene family in sensory neuron specification. All C. elegans Otx genes and rat Otx1 can substitute for ceh-37 and ceh-36, but only ceh-37 functionally substitutes for ttx-1. Functional substitution in the AWB neurons is mediated by activation of the same downstream target lim-4 by different Otx genes. Misexpression experiments indicate that although the specific identity adopted upon expression of an Otx gene may be constrained by the cellular context, individual Otx genes preferentially promote distinct neuronal identities.
- Subjects :
- Alleles
Animals
Animals, Genetically Modified
Behavior, Animal
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins genetics
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins metabolism
Drosophila Proteins
Escape Reaction drug effects
Gene Expression Regulation
Genes, Helminth
Genes, Homeobox genetics
Genetic Markers
Genetic Structures
Genotype
Helminth Proteins chemistry
Helminth Proteins genetics
Helminth Proteins physiology
Homeodomain Proteins metabolism
Immunohistochemistry
Ketones pharmacology
Molecular Sequence Data
Mutation
Neurons, Afferent classification
Neurons, Afferent drug effects
Neurons, Afferent physiology
Odorants
Otx Transcription Factors
Sequence Alignment
Caenorhabditis elegans genetics
Genes, Homeobox physiology
Homeodomain Proteins genetics
Neurons, Afferent metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1534-5807
- Volume :
- 5
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Developmental cell
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14536063
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/s1534-5807(03)00293-4