DAF-9, a cytochrome P450 regulating C. elegans larval development and adult longevity.

Authors: Jia K; Albert PS; Riddle DL

Abstract: The daf-9 gene functions to integrate transforming growth factor-beta and insulin-like signaling pathways to regulate Caenorhabditis elegans larval development. Mutations in daf-9 result in transient dauer-like larval arrest, abnormal reproductive development, molting defects and increased adult longevity. The phenotype is sterol-dependent, and dependent on the activity of DAF-12, a nuclear hormone receptor. Genetic tests show that daf-9 is upstream of daf-12 in the genetic pathways for larval development and adult longevity. daf-9 encodes a cytochrome P450 related to those involved in biosynthesis of steroid hormones in mammals. We propose that it specifies a step in the biosynthetic pathway for a DAF-12 ligand, which might be a steroid. The surprising cellular specificity of daf-9 expression (predominantly in two sensory neurons) supports a previously unrecognized role for these cells in neuroendocrine control of larval development, reproduction and life span.

Keywords: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans/embryology/*genetics; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/*genetics; Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Longevity/*genetics; Molecular Sequence Data; Mutation
Journal: Development (Cambridge, England)
Volume: 129
Issue: 1
Pages: 221-31
Date: Jan. 10, 2002
PMID: 11782415


Citation:

Jia K, Albert PS, Riddle DL (2002) DAF-9, a cytochrome P450 regulating C. elegans larval development and adult longevity. Development (Cambridge, England) 129: 221-31.


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