RRC ID 59351
Author Hajduskova M, Baytek G, Kolundzic E, Gosdschan A, Kazmierczak M, Ofenbauer A, Beato Del Rosal ML, Herzog S, Ul Fatima N, Mertins P, Seelk-Müthel S, Tursun B.
Title MRG-1/MRG15 Is a Barrier for Germ Cell to Neuron Reprogramming in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Journal Genetics
Abstract Chromatin regulators play important roles in the safeguarding of cell identities by opposing the induction of ectopic cell fates and, thereby, preventing forced conversion of cell identities by reprogramming approaches. Our knowledge of chromatin regulators acting as reprogramming barriers in living organisms needs improvement as most studies use tissue culture. We used Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo gene discovery model and automated solid-phase RNA interference screening, by which we identified 10 chromatin-regulating factors that protect cells against ectopic fate induction. Specifically, the chromodomain protein MRG-1 safeguards germ cells against conversion into neurons. MRG-1 is the ortholog of mammalian MRG15 (MORF-related gene on chromosome 15) and is required during germline development in C. elegans However, MRG-1's function as a barrier for germ cell reprogramming has not been revealed previously. Here, we further provide protein-protein and genome interactions of MRG-1 to characterize its molecular functions. Conserved chromatin regulators may have similar functions in higher organisms, and therefore, understanding cell fate protection in C. elegans may also help to facilitate reprogramming of human cells.
Volume 211(1)
Pages 121-139
Published 2019-1-1
DOI 10.1534/genetics.118.301674
PII genetics.118.301674
PMID 30425042
PMC PMC6325694
MeSH Animals Caenorhabditis elegans Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism* Cellular Reprogramming* Neurogenesis Neurons / cytology* Neurons / metabolism Protein Interaction Maps Stem Cells / cytology* Stem Cells / metabolism
IF 3.564
Times Cited 5
Resource
C.elegans tm1276 tm2467 tm1227