glp-1 is required in the germ line for regulation of the decision between mitosis and meiosis in C. elegans.
In the wild-type C. elegans germ line there are both mitotic and meiotic germ cells. Mutations in glp-1 cause germ cells that would normally divide mitotically to enter meiosis. This mutant phenotype mimics the effect of killing the distal tip cell, a somatic cell that interacts with the germ line to regulate the mitotic/meiotic decision. In addition, wild-type glp-1 product is required maternally for embryogenesis. Temperature-shift experiments indicate that the temporal requirement for glp-1 activity in the germ line is the same as that for distal tip cell regulation. Mosaic analyses suggest that glp-1 is produced in the germ line. We propose that glp-1 acts as part of the receiving mechanism in the interaction between the distal tip cell and germ line.
Austin
J
J
Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Graduate School University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Kimble
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002107:Caenorhabditis / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005796:Genes; D008540:Meiosis; D008938:Mitosis; D009154:Mutation; D013696:Temperature