Work

CFI-1 functions unilaterally to restrict gap junction formation in C. elegans

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Electrical coupling is vital to neural communication, facilitating synchronized activity among neurons. Despite its significance, the precise mechanisms governing the establishment of gap junction connections between specific neurons remain elusive. Here, we identified that the PVC interneuron in Caenorhabditis elegans forms gap junction connections with the PVR interneuron. The transcriptional regulator CFI-1 (ARID3) is specifically expressed in the PVC but not PVR interneuron. Reducing cfi-1 expression in the PVC interneuron leads to enhanced gap junction formation in the PVR neuron, while ectopic expression of cfi-1 in the PVR neuron restores the proper level of gap junction connections in the PVC neuron, along with the normal touch response. These findings unveil the pivotal role of CFI-1 in bidirectionally regulating the formation of gap junctions within a specific neuronal pair, shedding light on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing neuronal connectivity in vivo.

Source: Development

DOI: 10.1242/dev.202955

Authors: Zan Wu, Lin Pang, Mei Ding

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology

Language: English

Topic: Connexins and lens biology

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Awards: G6525048680, G6965311184, G861204257