Identification and characterization of the novel tumor suppressor gene gon-14 in C.briggsae.
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Date
2016-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
This project uses the nematodes C.elegans and C.briggsae as simple experimental systems to identify new tumor suppressor genes and to understand how these influence cell signaling and cell division. Comparisons between the two species will allow us to better understand how genetic backgrounds can influence the function of tumor suppressor genes. Tumor suppressor genes normally prevent inappropriate cell division and loss-of-function mutations in these genes are associated with cancer. Our lab has identified new mutants in C.briggsae that exhibit a multivulva phenotype and in preliminary results I have found that one of these genes is Cbr-gon-14. In C.elegans, gon-14 encodes a nuclear protein that influences gonad development but has only a modest impact on vulva cell development. Thus, we have identified that this is a novel tumor suppressor gene that influences cell division differently in the distinct genetic backgrounds represented by the two species. To identify the mutation associated with the C.briggsae mutant allele, I completed DNA sequencing studies using the C.briggsae mutant strain we had in the lab. I found two alleles for the C.briggsae gon-14 gene. I completed cDNA amplification of the entire gene to verify the structure of the gene. In addition, I also completed a cDNA amplification of the Cbr-gon-14 worms grown at 25°C. These animals showed the mutation that was expected for the Cbr-gon-14 mutants. I also completed a temperature shift experiment to determine the temperature sensitive period of the Cbr-gon-14 mutants. The results of these studies aid in the identification and genetic characterization of a new tumor suppressor gene in C.briggsae animals. Comparing the genetic backgrounds between the C.elegan and C.briggsae gon-14 gene will aid in the understanding of how different genetic backgrounds influence the function of tumor suppressor genes.
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C.briggsae, tumor suppresor genes, gonad-14, vulva development