First published online September 2, 2003
Journal of Cell Science 116, e1901 (2003)
Copyright © 2003 The Company of Biologists Limited
Talin loss in C. elegans
In C. elegans, expression of specific genes can be downregulated
by RNA interference (RNAi) simply by feeding larvae or adult worms on bacteria
expressing the relevant double-stranded RNA. On
p. 3871, Jean
Schwarzbauer and co-workers use this technique to show that talin, a
cytoskeleton-associated protein and key focal adhesion component, is required
for contractile functions in C. elegans larval and adult tissues and
for the regulation of integrin signalling during cell migration. In their
experiments, talin downregulation caused cytoskeleton disorganisation in
contractile muscle cells, producing a paralysis phenotype that was also seen
in worms that do not express integrins. In addition, reduction of talin
expression disrupted distal tip cell migration, oocyte maturation and gonad
sheath cell structure, resulting in severe defects in gonad formation.
Schwarzbauer and co-workers conclude that other genes involved in integrin
signalling and function could be identified in RNAi-based screens by looking
for defects in distal tip cell migration.
Related articles in JCS:
- Talin loss-of-function uncovers roles in cell contractility and migration in C. elegans
- Erin J. Cram, Scott G. Clark, and Jean E. Schwarzbauer
JCS 2003 116: 3871-3878.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
