CGC Bibliography Paper 5275

Functional characterization of the adenylyl cyclase gene sgs-1 by analysis of a mutational spectrum in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Moorman C, Plasterk RHA

Medline:

12019229

Citation:

Genetics 161: 133-142 2002

Type:

ARTICLE

Genes:

sgs-1

Abstract:

The sgs-1 (suppressor of activated Galpha) gene encodes one of the four adenylyl cyclases in the nematode C. elegans and is most similar to mammalian adenylyl cyclase type IX. We isolated a complete loss-of-function mutation in sgs-1 and found it to result in animals with retarded development that arrest in variable larval stages. sgs-1 mutant animals exhibit lethargic movement and pharyngeal pumping and (while not reaching adulthood) have a mean life span that is >50% extended compared to wild type. An extensive set of reduction-of-function mutations in sgs-1 was isolated in a screen for suppressors of a neuronal degeneration phenotype induced by the expression of a constitutively active version of the heterotrimeric Galpha(s) subunit of C. elegans. Although most of these mutations change conserved residues within the catalytic domains of sgs-1, mutations in the less-conserved transmembrane domains are also found. The sgs-1 reduction-of function mutants are viable and have reduced locomotion rates, but do not show defects in pharyngeal pumping or life span.