Abstract
Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) proteins are evolutionary conserved RNA-binding proteins that control mRNA polyadenylation and translation. Orthologs in humans and other vertebrates are mainly involved in oogenesis. This is also the case for the C. elegans CPEB family member CPB-3, whereas two further CPEB proteins (CPB-1 and FOG-1) are involved in spermatogenesis. Here we describe the characterisation of a new missense allele of cpb-3 and show that loss of cpb-3 function leads to an increase in physiological germ cell death. To better understand the interaction and effect of C. elegans CPEB proteins on processes such as physiological apoptosis, germ cell differentiation, and regulation of gene expression, we characterised changes in the transcriptome and proteome of C. elegans CPEB mutants. Our results show that, despite their sequence similarities CPEB family members tend to have distinct overall effects on gene expression (both at the transcript and protein levels). This observation is consistent with the distinct phenotypes observed in the various CPEB family mutants.
Highlights
The central dogma of molecular biology states that genetic information generally flows from DNA through RNA to proteins [1]
Consistent with the distinct phenotypes caused by loss of the various family mutants, we find that Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) family members tend to have distinct overall effects on gene expression
Given the role of the CPEB proteins in germ cell differentiation, we focused on genes that have previously been shown to be enriched during oogenesis or spermatogenesis [23]
Summary
The central dogma of molecular biology states that genetic information generally flows from DNA through RNA to proteins [1] In eukaryotic organisms this information transfer is highly regulated at each step of the process, including at the level of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs (such as mRNA splicing, transport, localization, stability, and translational activation), which often involves RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) [2,3]. CPEB proteins act within a large ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex and are mainly involved in the regulation of polyadenylation [4]. They are indirectly involved in both translational.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
