mec-15 encodes an F-box protein required for touch receptor neuron mechanosensation, synapse formation and development

Genetics. 2009 Oct;183(2):607-17, 1SI-4SI. doi: 10.1534/genetics.109.105726. Epub 2009 Aug 3.

Abstract

Selective protein degradation is a key regulator of neuronal development and synaptogenesis. Complexes that target proteins for degradation often contain F-box proteins. Here we characterize MEC-15, an F-box protein with WD repeats, which is required for the development and function of Caenorhabditis elegans touch receptor neurons (TRNs). Mutations in mec-15 produce defects in TRN touch sensitivity, chemical synapse formation, and cell-body morphology. All mec-15 mutant phenotypes are enhanced by mutations in a MAP kinase pathway composed of the MAPKKK DLK-1, the MAPKK MKK-4, and the p38 MAPK PMK-3. A mutation of the rpm-1 gene, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates this pathway to promote synaptogenesis, suppresses only the mec-15 cell-body defect. Thus, MEC-15 acts in parallel with RPM-1, implicating a second protein degradation pathway in TRN development. In addition, all mec-15 phenotypes can be dominantly suppressed by mutations in mec-7, which encodes a beta-tubulin, and dominantly enhanced by mutations in mec-12, which encodes an alpha-tubulin. Since mec-15 phenotypes depend on the relative levels of these tubulins, MEC-15 may target proteins whose function is affected by these levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology*
  • F-Box Proteins / genetics
  • F-Box Proteins / metabolism
  • F-Box Proteins / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Mechanoreceptors / cytology
  • Mechanoreceptors / metabolism
  • Mechanoreceptors / physiology*
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / genetics
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mutation
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Phenotype
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Touch / physiology*
  • Tubulin / genetics
  • Tubulin / metabolism
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • F-Box Proteins
  • Mec-7 protein, C elegans
  • Tubulin
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases