Abstract
We report here the positional cloning and molecular characterization of the unc-24 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans. This gene is required for normal locomotion and interacts with genes that affect the worm's response to volatile anesthetics. The predicted gene product contains a domain similar to part of two ion channel regulators (the erythrocyte integral membrane protein stomatin and the C. elegans neuronal protein MEC-2) juxtaposed to a domain similar to nonspecific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP; also called sterol carrier protein 2). Sequence analysis suggests that the nsLTP-like domain of UNC-24 provides lipid carrier function and is tethered to the plasma membrane by the stomatin-like domain which may be regulatory. We postulate that UNC-24 may be involved in lipid transfer between closely apposed membranes.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
-
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
-
ADP-Ribosylation Factors
-
Alleles
-
Animals
-
Base Sequence
-
Blood Proteins / genetics*
-
Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
-
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins*
-
Carrier Proteins / genetics*
-
Cloning, Molecular
-
DNA Mutational Analysis
-
DNA, Complementary / genetics
-
GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
-
Genes, Helminth / genetics
-
Genes, Homeobox / genetics
-
Helminth Proteins / genetics*
-
Membrane Proteins / genetics
-
Molecular Sequence Data
-
Operon / genetics
-
Plant Proteins*
-
Sequence Analysis, DNA
-
Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
-
Sterols
Substances
-
Blood Proteins
-
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
-
Carrier Proteins
-
DNA, Complementary
-
Helminth Proteins
-
Membrane Proteins
-
Plant Proteins
-
Sterols
-
Unc-24 protein, C elegans
-
sterol carrier proteins
-
GTP-Binding Proteins
-
ADP-Ribosylation Factors