A lipid transfer protein ensures nematode cuticular impermeability.

Authors :: Njume FN
Razzauti A
Soler M
Perschin V
Fazeli G
Bourez A
Delporte C
Ghogomu SM
Poelvoorde P
Pichard S
Birck C
Poterszman A
Souopgui J
Van Antwerpen P
Stigloher C
Vanhamme L
Laurent P
Source :: IScience [iScience] 2022 Oct 14; Vol. 25 (11), pp. 105357. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 14 (Print Publication: 2022).
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: The cuticle of C. elegans is impermeable to chemicals, toxins, and pathogens. However, increased permeability is a desirable phenotype because it facilitates chemical uptake. Surface lipids contribute to the permeability barrier. Here, we identify the lipid transfer protein GMAP-1 as a critical element setting the permeability of the C. elegans cuticle. A gmap-1 deletion mutant increases cuticular permeability to sodium azide, levamisole, Hoechst, and DiI. Expressing GMAP-1 in the hypodermis or transiently in the adults is sufficient to rescue this gmap-1 permeability phenotype. GMAP-1 protein is secreted from the hypodermis to the aqueous fluid filling the space between collagen fibers of the cuticle. In vitro , GMAP-1 protein binds phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine while in vivo , GMAP-1 sets the surface lipid composition and organization . Altogether, our results suggest GMAP-1 secreted by hypodermis shuttles lipids to the surface to form the permeability barrier of C. elegans .<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.<br /> (© 2022 The Authors.)