lov-1 and
pkd-2 are the homologues of the human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) genes PKD1 and PKD2.
lov-1 and
pkd-2 are required for male mating behavior and function as male sensory genes. These two genes are exclusively expressed in male specific neurons: four head CEMs, ray RnBs rarely (in R2B and R6B) and hook HOB from late L4 through adulthood. How
lov-1 and
pkd-2 are temporally and spatially regulated is largely unknown.
egl-46 is required for
pkd-2 expression in the HOB neuron, but not the CEMs or RnBs (Yu et al. 2003).
daf-19 , an RFX transcription factor, is required for expression of several cilium structure genes (Swoboda et al. 2000) as well as
pkd-2 (Yu et al. 2003). We are interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying
lov-1 and
pkd-2 transcriptional regulation, male sensory neuronal development, and male mating behavior.
n4132 was obtained in a screen for
ceh-30 suppressors (See 2004 East Coast Worm Meeting abstract 248 Varner et al. ) and found to prevent
pkd-2 expression. Our further characterization shows that the
n4132 mutant lacks expression of both
lov-1 and
pkd-2 but not cilia structure genes such as
osm-5 and
osm-6 . In contrast to
daf-19 mutants, we propose that
n4132 disrupts transcriptional regulation of certain male sensory genes but not general cilia structure genes. I will describe the mapping, cloning, and molecular characterization of this new gene. References Swoboda P. et al. (2000). Molecular Cell 5: 411-421. Yu, H. et al. (2003). Development 130(21): 5217-5227.