Participation of the Protein G$_o$ in Multiple Aspects of Behavior in C. elegans

The goa-1 gene encoding the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein (G protein) G$_o$ from Caenorhabditis elegans is expressed in most neurons, and in the muscles involved in egg laying and male mating. Reduction-of-function mutations in goa-1 caused a variety of b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1995-03, Vol.267 (5204), p.1652-1655
Main Authors: Mendel, Jane E., Korswagen, Hendrik C., Liu, Katharine S., Hajdu-Cronin, Yvonne M., Simon, Melvin I., Ronald H. A. Plasterk, Sternberg, Paul W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
DNA
Male animals
Mating behavior
Nematode eggs
Neurons
Oviposition
Phenotypes
Plasmids
Transgenes
Transgenic animals
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Summary:The goa-1 gene encoding the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein (G protein) G$_o$ from Caenorhabditis elegans is expressed in most neurons, and in the muscles involved in egg laying and male mating. Reduction-of-function mutations in goa-1 caused a variety of behavioral defects including hyperactive movement, premature egg laying, and male impotence. Expression of the activated G$_o$ alpha subunit (Gα$_o$) in transgenic nematodes resulted in lethargic movement, delayed egg laying, and reduced mating efficiency. Induced expression of activated Gα$_o$ in adults was sufficient to cause these phenotypes, indicating that Gα$_o$ mediates behavior through its role in neuronal function and the functioning of specialized muscles.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.7886455