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

Christopher M. Meighan, Jean E. Schwarzbauer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

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 α 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1615-1620
Number of pages6
JournalGenes and Development
Volume21
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Keywords

  • Cell migration
  • Integrins
  • Organogenesis
  • Pax6

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