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The let-23 gene of the nematode C. elegans : genetics and molecular biology of a member of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase family

Citation

Aroian, Raffi V (1992) The let-23 gene of the nematode C. elegans : genetics and molecular biology of a member of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase family. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/q10c-b807. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09142011-114200593

Abstract

Genetic studies indicate that the let-23 gene affects several developmental decisions in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. let-23 is required for the proper development of the hermaphrodite vulva, the male tail, and the posterior ectoderm. In addition, let-23 mutations can cause lethality and hermaphrodite sterility. These five let-23 functions can be independently mutated, suggesting that the let-23 protein encodes tissuespecific functions . Furthermore, let-23 controls two opposing pathways: one that stimulates and another that inhibits vulval development. These two pathways ensure that the proper level of vulval development occurs. Twenty let-23 alleles exist: 14 eliminate function (null), three reduce function in all tissues (hypomorphic), and three reduce function in certain tissues (tissue-specific). In addition, two of these alleles are defective in the inhibitory vulval pathway.

The let-23 primary structure resembles that of the mammalian epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The let-23 protein possesses putative ligand binding, transmembrane, and tyrosine kinase domains, as well as cysteine-rich regions, all with the characteristics of the EGFR family. Like let-23, mammalian EGFR is multifunctional, encodes tissuespecific functions, and functions in stimulatory and inhibitory pathways. let-23 may be the receptor in the vulva for the anchor-cell inductive signal. Furthermore, genetic data indicate let-23 acts upstream of the let-60 ras gene, supporting mammalian studies that suggest a link between EGFR and ras.

To investigate how EGFR primary structure relates to function, mutations in eight let-23 alleles have been sequenced. Five null alleles alter sequences in both the kinase and the extracellular domains. These alterations suggest that let-23 has kinase activity and that the extra cysteine domain found only in invertebrate EGFRs is important. A strong hypomorphic allele mutates one of the conserved extracellular cysteines close to the ligand binding domain. A tissue-specific allele mutates an intronlexon boundary in the C-terminus. This mutation suggests that the C-terminus can provide tissue-specific information. Finally, a hypomorphic allele that is defective in the let•23 inhibitory vulval pathway alters a different intron/exon boundary in the C-terminus. This mutation results in numerous, unexpected transcripts. Models are suggested to account for the behavior of this allele.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Biology
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology
Major Option:Biology
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Sternberg, Paul W.
Thesis Committee:
  • Benzer, Seymour
  • Davidson, Eric H.
  • Emr, Scott D.
  • Lipshitz, Howard D.
Defense Date:25 November 1991
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:09142011-114200593
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09142011-114200593
DOI:10.7907/q10c-b807
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6670
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Dan Anguka
Deposited On:15 Sep 2011 17:40
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 23:04

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