unc-8, a DEG/ENaC family member, encodes a subunit of a candidate mechanically gated channel that modulates C. elegans locomotion |
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Authors: | N Tavernarakis W Shreffler S Wang M Driscoll |
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Affiliation: | Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway 08855, USA. |
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Abstract: | Mechanically gated ion channels are important modulators of coordinated movement, yet little is known of their molecular properties. We report that C. elegans unc-8, originally identified by gain-of-function mutations that induce neuronal swelling and severe uncoordination, encodes a DEG/ENaC family member homologous to subunits of a candidate mechanically gated ion channel. unc-8 is expressed in several sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons. unc-8 null mutants exhibit previously unrecognized but striking defects in the amplitude and wavelength of sinusoidal tracks inscribed as they move through an E. coli lawn. We hypothesize that UNC-8 channels could modulate coordinated movement in response to body stretch. del-1, a second DEG/ENaC family member coexpressed with unc-8 in a subset of motor neurons, might also participate in a channel that contributes to nematode proprioception. |
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