Abstract
C. elegans cell divisions that produce an apoptotic daughter cell exhibit Daughter Cell Size Asymmetry (DCSA), producing a larger surviving daughter cell and a smaller daughter cell fated to die. Genetic screens for mutants with defects in apoptosis identified several genes that are also required for the ability of these divisions to produce daughter cells that differ in size. One of these genes, ham-1, encodes a putative transcription factor that regulates a subset of the asymmetric cell divisions that produce an apoptotic daughter cell. In a survey of C. elegans divisions, we found that ham-1 mutations affect primarily anterior/posterior divisions that produce a small anterior daughter cell. The affected divisions include those that generate an apoptotic cell as well as those that generate two surviving cells. Our findings suggest that HAM-1 primarily promotes DCSA in a certain class of asymmetric divisions.
Highlights
Caenorhabditis elegans somatic development is essentially invariant
We find that HAM-1 loss alters Daughter Cell Size Asymmetry (DCSA) in a(S)P(S)-type divisions that occur with an aP-type polarity but produce two cells that survive
Our model predicts that these A(S)p(S) divisions should be unaffected by ham-1 loss, and we found that ham-1(gm279) mutant P3-8.a cells are larger than P3-8.p cells
Summary
Caenorhabditis elegans somatic development is essentially invariant. Almost all of the somatic divisions are asymmetric, generating two daughter cells that differ in fate [1, 2]. Studies of Asymmetric Cell Division (ACD), primarily in C. elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, have led to insights into the molecules and mechanisms that distribute developmental potential to the two daughter cells in an ACD. Many of these molecules control the distribution of fate and the orientation of the mitotic spindle, a process that is critical for the appropriate distribution of fate unequally to daughter cells [3,4,5]. Other examples of DCSA are C. elegans neuroblast (NB) divisions that produce
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
