C2cd3 is required for cilia formation and Hedgehog signaling in mouse.
Cilia are essential for mammalian embryonic development as well as for the physiological activity of various adult organ systems. Despite the multiple crucial roles that cilia play, the mechanisms underlying ciliogenesis in mammals remain poorly understood. Taking a forward genetic approach, we have identified Hearty (Hty), a recessive lethal mouse mutant with multiple defects, including neural tube defects, abnormal dorsal-ventral patterning of the spinal cord, a defect in left-right axis determination and severe polydactyly (extra digits). By genetic mapping, sequence analysis of candidate genes and characterization of a second mutant allele, we identify Hty as C2cd3, a novel gene encoding a vertebrate-specific C2 domain-containing protein. Target gene expression and double-mutant analyses suggest that C2cd3 is an essential regulator of intracellular transduction of the Hedgehog signal. Furthering a link between Hedgehog signaling and cilia function, we find that cilia formation and proteolytic processing of Gli3 are disrupted in C2cd3 mutants. Finally, we observe C2cd3 protein at the basal body, consistent with its essential function in ciliogenesis. Interestingly, the human ortholog for this gene lies in proximity to the critical regions of Meckel-Gruber syndrome 2 (MKS2) and Joubert syndrome 2 (JBTS2), making it a potential candidate for these two human genetic disorders.
Hoover
Amber N
AN
Department of Biology, Eberly College of Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Life Science Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Wynkoop
Aaron
A
Zeng
Huiqing
H
Jia
Jinping
J
Niswander
Lee A
LA
Liu
Aimin
A
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D002923:Cilia / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005804:Genes, Lethal; D005808:Genes, Recessive; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009154:Mutation; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D017931:DNA Primers; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins