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Dicer-related drh-3 gene functions in germ-line development by maintenance of chromosomal integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans.
- Source :
-
Genes to Cells . Sep2007, Vol. 12 Issue 9, p997-1010. 14p. 3 Black and White Photographs, 1 Diagram, 4 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2007
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Abstract
- 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *CAENORHABDITIS elegans
*RNA
*IRRADIATION
*PHENOTYPES
*KARYOKINESIS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13569597
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Genes to Cells
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 26418899
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2443.2007.01111.x