A genetic pathway for regulation of tra-2 translation.
In Caenorhabditis elegans, the tra-2 sex-determining gene is regulated at the translational level by two 28 nt direct repeat elements (DREs) located in its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). DRF is a factor that binds the DREs and may be a trans-acting translational regulator of tra-2. Here we identify two genes that are required for the normal pattern of translational control. A newly identified gene, called laf-1, is required for translational repression by the tra-2 3'UTR. In addition, the sex-determining gene, tra-3, appears to promote female development by freeing tra-2 from laf-1 repression. Finally, we show that DRF activity correlates with translational repression of tra-2 during development and that tra-3 regulates DRF activity. We suggest that tra-3 may promote female development by releasing tra-2 from translation repression by laf-1 and that translational control is important for proper sex determination--both in the early embryo and during postembryonic development.
Goodwin
E B
EB
Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706, USA.
Hofstra
K
K
Hurney
C A
CA
Mango
S
S
Kimble
J
J
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins; C066174:tra2 protein, Drosophila