Cell and growth cone migrations establish the pattern of a developing nervous system. While several conserved proteins have been implicated in these processes in vertebrates and invertebrates, little is known about the molecular control of anteroposterior migrations. These migrations are the focus of the two specific aims of this proposal, which utilizes the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. First, the investigator will use a genetic screen involving direct visualization of neurons and their axons in living animals to identify mutants with defects in anteroposterior axonal growth and pathfinding. The genes identified by these mutations will be characterized genetically and molecularly. Second, the investigator will clone and analyze the mig-11 gene, which is needed for the posteriorly directed migration of CAN cells and axons. The focus of action of the gene will be determined by mosaic analysis, GFP reporter fusions, in situ hybridization, and antibodies. Molecular and genetic interactions with mig-11 will be studied as well.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS039397-01
Application #
6031400
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-7 (01))
Program Officer
Finkelstein, Robert
Project Start
2000-02-10
Project End
2005-01-31
Budget Start
2000-02-10
Budget End
2001-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$270,277
Indirect Cost
Name
New York University
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10016
Moffat, Laura L; Robinson, Ryan E; Bakoulis, Anastasia et al. (2014) The conserved transmembrane RING finger protein PLR-1 downregulates Wnt signaling by reducing Frizzled, Ror and Ryk cell-surface levels in C. elegans. Development 141:617-28
Rawson, Randi L; Yam, Lung; Weimer, Robby M et al. (2014) Axons degenerate in the absence of mitochondria in C. elegans. Curr Biol 24:760-5
Singhvi, Aakanksha; Teuliere, Jerome; Talavera, Karla et al. (2011) The Arf GAP CNT-2 regulates the apoptotic fate in C. elegans asymmetric neuroblast divisions. Curr Biol 21:948-54
Pan, Chun-Liang; Baum, Paul D; Gu, Mingyu et al. (2008) C. elegans AP-2 and retromer control Wnt signaling by regulating mig-14/Wntless. Dev Cell 14:132-9
Prasad, Brinda C; Clark, Scott G (2006) Wnt signaling establishes anteroposterior neuronal polarity and requires retromer in C. elegans. Development 133:1757-66
Clark, Scott G; Chiu, Catherine (2003) C. elegans ZAG-1, a Zn-finger-homeodomain protein, regulates axonal development and neuronal differentiation. Development 130:3781-94