Two homologous regulatory genes, lin-12 and glp-1, have overlapping functions.
Two homologous genes, lin-12 and glp-1, encode transmembrane proteins required for regulatory cell interactions during C. elegans development. Based on their single mutant phenotypes, each gene has been thought to govern a distinct set of cell fates. We show here that lin-12 and glp-1 are functionally redundant during embryogenesis: Unlike either single mutant, the lin-12 glp-1 double mutant dies soon after hatching. Numerous cellular defects can be observed in these Lag (for lin-12 and glp-1) double mutants. Furthermore, we have identified two genes, lag-1 and lag-2, that appear to be required for both lin-12 and glp-1-mediated cell interactions. Strong loss-of-function lag mutants are phenotypically indistinguishable from the lin-12 glp-1 double; weak lag mutants have phenotypes typical of lin-12 and glp-1 single mutants. We speculate that the lin-12 and glp-1 proteins are biochemically interchangeable and that their divergent roles in development may rely largely on differences in gene expression.
Lambie
E J
EJ
Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
Kimble
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002107:Caenorhabditis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005809:Genes, Regulator / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
D008565:Membrane Proteins