Abstract
Communication between the soma and germline optimizes germ cell fate programs. Notch receptors are key determinants of germ cell fate but how somatic signals direct Notch-dependent germ cell behavior is undefined. Here we demonstrate that SDN-1 (syndecan-1), a somatic transmembrane proteoglycan, controls expression of the GLP-1 (germline proliferation-1) Notch receptor in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. We find that SDN-1 control of a somatic TRP calcium channel governs calcium-dependent binding of an AP-2 transcription factor (APTF-2) to the glp-1 promoter. Hence, SDN-1 signaling promotes GLP-1 expression and mitotic germ cell fate. Together, these data reveal SDN-1 as a putative communication nexus between the germline and its somatic environment to control germ cell fate decisions.
© 2021. The Author(s).
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Genetically Modified
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Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
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Caenorhabditis elegans / growth & development
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Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation / genetics*
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Cell Proliferation / genetics
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Cells, Cultured
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Germ Cells / cytology
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Germ Cells / metabolism*
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HEK293 Cells
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
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Larva / genetics
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Larva / growth & development
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Larva / metabolism
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Mice
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Microscopy, Confocal
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RNA Interference
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Receptors, Notch / genetics*
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Receptors, Notch / metabolism
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Syndecan-1 / genetics*
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Syndecan-1 / metabolism
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Glp-1 protein, C elegans
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Receptors, Notch
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Syndecan-1