The VAB-1 Eph receptor tyrosine kinase and SAX-3/Robo neuronal receptors function together during C. elegans embryonic morphogenesis.
Mutations that affect the single C. elegans Eph receptor tyrosine kinase VAB-1 cause defects in cell movements during embryogenesis. Here, we provide genetic and molecular evidence that the VAB-1 Eph receptor functions with another neuronal receptor, SAX-3/Robo, for proper embryogenesis. Our analysis of sax-3 mutants shows that SAX-3/Robo functions with the VAB-1 Eph receptor for gastrulation cleft closure and ventral epidermal enclosure. In addition, SAX-3 functions autonomously for epidermal morphogenesis independently of VAB-1. A double-mutant combination between vab-1 and slt-1 unmasks a role for the SLT-1 ligand in embryogenesis. We provide evidence for a physical interaction between the VAB-1 tyrosine kinase domain and the juxtamembrane and CC1 region of the SAX-3/Robo receptor. Gene dosage, non-allelic non-complementation experiments and co-localization of the two receptors are consistent with a model in which these two receptors form a complex and function together during embryogenesis.
Ghenea
Simona
S
Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
Boudreau
Jeffrey R
JR
Lague
Nicholas P
NP
Chin-Sang
Ian D
ID
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004817:Epidermis / Q000196:embryology; D018628:Gene Dosage; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020798:Two-Hybrid System Techniques; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins; C492285:slt-1 protein, C elegans; C111040:vab-1 protein, C elegans