The long-term goal of the Hanna-Rose laboratory is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that direct organogenesis. The focus of the proposed research is a detailed investigation of the role of the cog-2 gene and of a specific cell-cell fusion in promoting proper attachment of the C. elegans uterus and vulva. cog?2 encodes a Sox (SRY-related HMG box) family transcription factor that is expressed in a specific cell of the uterus called the uterine seam cell (utse). The utse normally executes a developmentally programmed cell fusion to another gonadal cell called the anchor cell. This cell-cell fusion promotes formation of an open channel between the uterus and the vulva in a late stage of organogenesis. In the absence of cog-2 function, utse cell fate is induced but fusion to the anchor cell (AC) is not executed. The aims of the proposed research are to determine whether COG-2 acts to regulate fusion directly or affects fusion indirectly through an effect on utse cell fate, to identify and characterize additional genes involved in AC-utse fusion, and to identify COG-2 binding partners. Results are expected to elucidate mechanisms whereby COG-2 functions. This will also shed light on potential regulatory targets for vertebrate Sox proteins. Furthermore, the results are expected to increase our understanding of how the formation of a proper connection between two organs is genetically programmed and to promote the development of tools for probing the mechanism of cell fusion.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS)
Application #
0131287
Program Officer
Judith Plesset
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2002-03-01
Budget End
2006-02-28
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$382,375
Indirect Cost
Name
Pennsylvania State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
University Park
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
16802