Genetic redundancy masks diverse functions of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN during C. elegans development

Genes Dev. 2006 Feb 15;20(4):423-8. doi: 10.1101/gad.1378906.

Abstract

Genetic redundancy is associated with a large percentage of genes. We investigated PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) tumor suppressor gene functions that eluded single mutant analyses, using a Caenorhabditis elegans genome-wide screen. We show that at least 27 genes collaborate with the worm PTEN homolog daf-18 for various functions previously concealed by genetic redundancy, including embryogenesis, cuticle turnover, egg laying, and oocyte maturation. In one example, daf-18 appears to constitute a cell-autonomous germline signal that converges with a somatic gonad signal mediated by ceh-18 at a kinase inhibition. We provide evidence that daf-18 elicits some functions independent of the downstream gene daf-16.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / embryology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / physiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Oocytes / growth & development
  • Ovulation / genetics
  • Phenotype*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA Interference
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DAF-18 protein, C elegans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases