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Dicer‐related drh‐3 gene functions in germ‐line development by maintenance of chromosomal integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Author(s) -
Nakamura Masaharu,
Ando Rumi,
Nakazawa Taro,
Yudazono Takuro,
Tsutsumi Naoko,
Hatanaka Naoki,
Ohgake Toshiyasu,
Hanaoka Fumio,
Eki Toshihiko
Publication year - 2007
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 - 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2007.01111.x
Subject(s) - biology , rna interference , caenorhabditis elegans , genetics , gene , dicer , microbiology and biotechnology , genetic screen , phenotype , rna
In the course of systematic RNA interference (RNAi)‐based screens with helicase‐like genes in Caenorhabditis elegans , we have identified the drh‐3 ( D2005.5 ) gene as a candidate gene for protection against X‐ray irradiation. This gene encodes a novel RNA helicase‐like protein that is similar to two nematode Dicer‐related helicases (DRH). Here, we have showed the increased expression of drh‐3 transcripts during maturation of larvae to adults, and characterized the phenotype of drh‐3 ‐interferred nematodes using feeding RNAi method. RNAi‐mediated depletion of the drh‐3 transcripts caused embryonic lethality of F1 progeny and temperature‐sensitive reproductive capacity but did not affect the nematode life span. F1 progeny from drh‐3 ( RNAi ) animals exhibited increased lethality after X‐ray irradiation or exposure to camptothecin. In drh‐3 ( RNAi ) worms, aggregated chromosomes were observed in diakinesis oocyte nuclei. In developing early zygotic embryos from drh‐3 ( RNAi ) worms, abnormally segregated chromosomes were observed and embryonic development was largely arrested at the mid‐stages of embryogenesis. Finally, examination of checkpoint responses in mitotic germ cells with regards to replication arrest by hydroxyurea and X‐ray‐induced DNA damage suggested that both checkpoints function normally under these genotoxic stress conditions. Taken together, these results indicate that the drh‐3 gene is essential for the development of germ‐lines by maintaining chromosomal integrity in C. elegans .