Determining Neuronal Fate in C. elegans

Abstract

Neuronal differentiation is not simply the turning on of a developmental switch that results in the production of cell‐specific expression and features. We have used the six touch receptor neurons (TRNs) in C. elegans to identify and study the factors needed to initiate and maintain the differentiation of a specific type of neuron. We have identified transcription factors that specify, maintain, and restrict cell fate and others transcription factors, including Hox proteins, that reduce stochastic variability and ensure differentiation. The first class of transcription factors includes selectors, which direct the production of cell‐characteristic proteins, but also transcription factors that restrict and allow the selectors to act. We are calling the second class of transcription factors, which allow maximal function of selectors, guarantors. Our most recent studies are directed at understanding how different subtypes of TRNs are specified. One particular differences between the cells is that some are monopolar cells whereas others are bipolar cells.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by grants GM30997 and GM122522 from the National Institutes of HealthThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.