Genetic analysis of IP₃ and calcium signalling pathways in C. elegans

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• 作者：Howard A. Baylis ; ^{hab28@cam.ac.uk} ; Rafael P. V&aacute ; zquez-Manrique¹
• 关键词：AM ; acetoxymethyl ; CaM ; calmodulin ; DAG ; diacylglycerol ; dsRNA ; double stranded RNA ; DIC ; differential interference contrast (microscopy) ; EGF ; epidermal growth factor ; EMC ; enteric muscle contraction in C. elegans defecation ; EMS ; ethyl methanesulphonate
• 刊名：Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects
• 出版年：2012
• 期刊代码：16_03044165
• 类别：bio
• 出版时间：August, 2012
• 卷：1820
• 期：8
• 页码：1253-1268
• 文件大小：2041 K

摘要

class="h4">Background

The nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans is an established model system that is particularly well suited to genetic analysis. C. elegans is easily manipulated and we have an in depth knowledge of many aspects of its biology. Thus, it is an attractive system in which to pursue integrated studies of signalling pathways. C. elegans has a complement of calcium signalling molecules similar to that of other animals.

class="h4">Scope of review

We focus on IP₃ signalling. We describe how forward and reverse genetic approaches, including RNAi, have resulted in a tool kit which enables the analysis of IP₃/Ca^2 + signalling pathways. The importance of cell and tissue specific manipulation of signalling pathways and the use of epistasis analysis are highlighted. We discuss how these tools have increased our understanding of IP₃ signalling in specific developmental, physiological and behavioural roles. Approaches to imaging calcium signals in C. elegans are considered.

class="h4">Major conclusions

A wide selection of tools is available for the analysis of IP₃/Ca^2 + signalling in C. elegans. This has resulted in detailed descriptions of the function of IP₃/Ca^2 + signalling in the animal's biology. Nevertheless many questions about how IP₃ signalling regulates specific processes remain.

class="h4">General significance

Many of the approaches described may be applied to other calcium signalling systems. C. elegans offers the opportunity to dissect pathways, perform integrated studies and to test the importance of the properties of calcium signalling molecules to whole animal function, thus illuminating the function of calcium signalling in animals. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches to intracellular calcium signalling.