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kel‐1 , a novel Kelch ‐related gene in Caenorhabditis elegans , is expressed in pharyngeal gland cells and is required for the feeding process
Author(s) -
Ohmachi Mitsue,
Sugimoto Asako,
Iino Yuichi,
Yamamoto Masayuki
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
genes to cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1365-2443
pISSN - 1356-9597
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2443.1999.00264.x
Subject(s) - caenorhabditis elegans , biology , gene , mutant , process (computing) , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , computer science , operating system
Background Kelch‐related proteins constitute an expanding family, members of which carry two conserved motifs named the BTB/POZ and the kelch repeat domains. The best‐characterized member, Drosophila Kelch, constitutes the ring canals in the egg chamber in association with actin. However, physiological and biochemical functions of the members of this family remain largely uncharacterized. Results We identified the kel‐1 gene encoding a Kelch‐related protein in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans . The deduced KEL‐1 protein had 618 amino acid residues and was most similar to Drosophila Kelch. Loss of kel‐1 function caused growth arrest at an early larval stage, most likely at the beginning of L2. The kel‐1 deletion mutant appeared normal in morphology, movement and pumping action for the initial two to three days after hatching, but it failed to convey foods effectively to intestine and could hardly increase in body size. Analyses using immunostaining and reporter gene expression indicated that kel‐1 was expressed almost exclusively in the g1 pharyngeal gland cells during late embryogenesis and at all developmental stages thereafter. Conclusions C. elegans KEL‐1 protein is essential for the larval development, probably performing a function required for feeding in the pharyngeal g1 gland cells, which are supposed to secrete materials aiding digestion.