Abstract
Signals from germ and myoepithelial sheath cells initiate ovulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. The coordinated dilation and contraction of spermatheca lead to subsequent fertilization of oocyte. Either the dominant negative mutant pat-3 beta integrin or disruption of talin expression block ovulation. Talin loss-of-function uncovers roles in cell contractility and migration in C. elegans. Role of beta pat-3 integrins in development and function of Caenorhabditis elegans muscles and gonads, suggesting that the interaction between the cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is also important for ovulation. Here, we report that integrin plays an essential role in fertility via IP(3) signaling. Sterility caused by RNAi of pat-3 and ECM molecules was suppressed by increased IP(3) signaling. Our data suggest that the cell-ECM interaction controls ovulation via IP(3) signaling.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology*
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Calcium Channels / metabolism
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Calcium Channels / physiology
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Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
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Fertility / genetics
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Fertility / physiology
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Gonads / cytology
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Infertility / genetics
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate / metabolism*
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
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Integrin beta Chains / genetics
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Integrin beta Chains / physiology*
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Ovulation / physiology*
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Phospholipase C gamma
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RNA Interference
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RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / physiology
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Signal Transduction*
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Type C Phospholipases / physiology
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Calcium Channels
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
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Integrin beta Chains
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RNA, Small Interfering
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
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pat-3 protein, C elegans
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Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate
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Type C Phospholipases
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Phospholipase C gamma