Work

unc-8, a DEG/ENaC Family Member, Encodes a Subunit of a Candidate Mechanically Gated Channel That Modulates C. elegans Locomotion

Year: 1997

Type: article

Abstract: Mechanically gated ion channels are important modulators of coordinated movement, yet little is known of their molecular properties. We report that C. elegans unc-8, originally identified by gain-of-function mutations that induce neuronal swelling and severe uncoordination, encodes a DEG/ENaC family member homologous to subunits of a candidate mechanically gated ion channel. unc-8 is expressed in several sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons. unc-8 null mutants exhibit previously unrecognized but striking defects in the amplitude and wavelength of sinusoidal tracks inscribed as they move through an E. coli lawn. We hypothesize that UNC-8 channels could modulate coordinated movement in response to body stretch. del-1, a second DEG/ENaC family member coexpressed with unc-8 in a subset of motor neurons, might also participate in a channel that contributes to nematode proprioception.

Source: Neuron

DOI: 10.1016/s0896-6273(01)80050-7

Authors: Nektarios Tavernarakis, Wayne Shreffler, Shiliang Wang, Monica Driscoll

Institutions: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, NYU Langone Health, New York University

Language: English

Topic: Ion channel regulation and function

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $10,400

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke