Abstract

We are using C. elegans vulval differentiation as a model system to study the mechanisms of cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Vulval differentiation in C. elegans is controlled by multiple cell signaling and regulatory pathways that are evolutionarily conserved with those commonly involved in controlling development in mammals and in human diseases such as cancers. For the next granting period, we will focus our studies on interactions among several regulatory (1) Analyzing the roles of two genes defined by suppressors of a ras mutation. (2) Identifying and characterizing targets and co-factors of two transcription factors acting downstream of RAS/MAPK using large scale genetic screens as well as a molecular screening method. (3) Analyzing the regulation of Iin-39 hox by several other factors and analyzing its connections to other regulatory pathways. (4) Dissecting two genes regarding their roles in a specific vulval morphogenesis event. Significant progress has already been made on proposed research.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01GM047869-10
Application #
6369822
Study Section
Cell Development and Function Integrated Review Group (CDF)
Program Officer
Zatz, Marion M
Project Start
1992-08-01
Project End
2005-07-31
Budget Start
2001-08-01
Budget End
2002-07-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$290,376
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Colorado at Boulder
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Boulder
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80309

  Publications

Weaver, Benjamin P; Han, Min (2018) Tag team: Roles of miRNAs and Proteolytic Regulators in Ensuring Robust Gene Expression Dynamics. Trends Genet 34:21-29
Cui, Mingxue; Wang, Yi; Cavaleri, Jonathon et al. (2017) Starvation-Induced Stress Response Is Critically Impacted by Ceramide Levels in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 205:775-785
Zabinsky, Rebecca A; Weum, Brett M; Cui, Mingxue et al. (2017) RNA Binding Protein Vigilin Collaborates with miRNAs To Regulate Gene Expression for Caenorhabditis elegans Larval Development. G3 (Bethesda) 7:2511-2518
Weaver, Benjamin P; Weaver, Yi M; Mitani, Shohei et al. (2017) Coupled Caspase and N-End Rule Ligase Activities Allow Recognition and Degradation of Pluripotency Factor LIN-28 during Non-Apoptotic Development. Dev Cell 41:665-673.e6
Chi, Congwu; Ronai, Diana; Than, Minh T et al. (2016) Nucleotide levels regulate germline proliferation through modulating GLP-1/Notch signaling in C. elegans. Genes Dev 30:307-20
Cohen, Max L; Kim, Sunhong; Morita, Kiyokazu et al. (2015) The GATA factor elt-1 regulates C. elegans developmental timing by promoting expression of the let-7 family microRNAs. PLoS Genet 11:e1005099
Weaver, Benjamin P; Zabinsky, Rebecca; Weaver, Yi M et al. (2014) CED-3 caspase acts with miRNAs to regulate non-apoptotic gene expression dynamics for robust development in C. elegans. Elife 3:e04265
Than, Minh T; Kudlow, Brian A; Han, Min (2013) Functional analysis of neuronal microRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans dauer formation by combinational genetics and Neuronal miRISC immunoprecipitation. PLoS Genet 9:e1003592
Than, Minh; Han, Min (2013) Functional analysis of the miRNA-mRNA interaction network in C. elegans. Worm 2:e26894
Cui, Mingxue; Cohen, Max L; Teng, Cindy et al. (2013) The tumor suppressor Rb critically regulates starvation-induced stress response in C. elegans. Curr Biol 23:975-80

Showing the most recent 10 out of 24 publications