Identification of genes that protect the C. elegans genome against mutations by genome-wide RNAi

Genes Dev. 2003 Feb 15;17(4):443-8. doi: 10.1101/gad.1060703.

Abstract

An RNA interference (RNAi)-based genome-wide screen was performed to detect genes that contribute to genome stability in somatic cells of Caenorhabditis elegans. We identified 61 such genes; these also affect spontaneous mutagenesis in the germ line. Their sequence suggests a role in DNA repair and/or replication, in chromatin remodeling, or in cell cycle control; there are also many novel genes that are highly conserved from yeast to human. Because known mutator genes are causally involved in many hereditary and sporadic human cancers, it is likely that some of these new mutators are equally relevant in cancer etiology.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / classification
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle / genetics
  • Chromatin / genetics
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • DNA Repair / genetics
  • DNA Replication / genetics
  • Genes, Helminth*
  • Genome
  • Helminth Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins*
  • Muscle Proteins / genetics
  • Mutation*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Helminth
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Chromatin
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Muscle Proteins
  • RNA, Helminth
  • unc-93 protein, C elegans