Figure 6. Expression of
kal-1 reporter constructs in transgenic worms (anterior is towards the left). In all cases, except in D, worms harboring plasmid GB102 (no nuclear localization signal) are shown and GFP expression was detected by epifluorescence; in D, the plasmid was GB105, (containing a NLS) and β-galactosidase expression was detected histochemically. (A,B) Embryonic expression begins in a group of ventral neuroblasts in 120- to 200-cell stage embryos, ventral view, superficial focal planes; (C) ventral view, intermediate focal plane of an embryo between 310 and 360 minutes after fertilization; the expressing neuroblasts have split in an anterior and a posterior group and have been covered by the epithelial cells that have joined at the ventral midline. (D) β-gal staining of an L3 larva showing three groups of neurons expressing the transgene after hatching, see text. (E) Neurons of the anterior ganglia express GFP; arrow points to their axonal projections in the nerve ring. (F) Arrows point to the dendrites of sensory neurons, in the head of an adult male. (G) Ventral view of the mid section of an L3 larva; the canal associated neurons, CAN cells, express the construct. (H) Lateral view of the mid section of an L4 hermaphrodite; the cell body of an HSN neuron is visible, partially out of focus; arrows indicate its anteriorly directed process. (I,J) Tail region of L4 hermaphrodites. In I, the PDB cell body is partially out of focus and the arrow points to the characteristic process reaching the tail tip before turning anteriorly. In J, a tail interneuron, possibly PVW can be seen.