Participation of the protein G-omicron 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.sub.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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1995-03, Vol.267 (5204), p.1652
Main Authors: Mendel, Jane E, Korswagen, Hendrik C, Liu, Katharine S, Hajdu-Cronin, Yvonne M, Simon, Melvin I, Plasterk, Ronald H.A, Sternberg, Paul W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Caenorhabditis elegans
G proteins
Physiological aspects
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Summary:The goa-1 gene encoding the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein (G protein) [G.sub.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.sub.o] alpha subunit [G[alpha].sub.o]) in transgenic nematodes resulted in lethargic movement, delayed egg laying, and [reduced mating efficiency. Induced expression of activated [G[alpha].sub.o] in adults was sufficient to cause these phenotypes, indicating that [G[alpha].sub.o] mediates behavior through its role in neuronal function and the functioning of specialized muscles.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203