Control of C. elegans hermaphrodite gonad size and shape by vab-3/Pax6-mediated regulation of integrin receptors.

Publication Year
2007

Type

Journal Article
Abstract

Integrin receptors for extracellular matrix are critical for cell motility, but the signals that determine when to stop are not known. Analysis of distal tip cell (DTC) migration during gonadogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans has revealed the importance of transcription factor vab-3/Pax6 in regulating the alpha integrin genes, ina-1 and pat-2. Utilizing vab-3 mutants, we show that the down-regulation of ina-1 is necessary for DTC migration cessation and the up-regulation of pat-2 is required for directionality. These results demonstrate concomitant, but distinct roles in migration for each integrin. Notably, transcriptional control of migration termination provides a new mechanism for regulation of morphogenesis and organ size.

Journal
Genes Dev
Volume
21
Issue
13
Pages
1615-20
Date Published
07/2007
ISSN Number
0890-9369
Alternate Journal
Genes Dev.
PMID
17606640