A somatic proteoglycan controls Notch-directed germ cell fate

Nat Commun. 2021 Nov 18;12(1):6708. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-27039-4.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / growth & development
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Germ Cells / cytology
  • Germ Cells / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Larva / genetics
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • RNA Interference
  • Receptors, Notch / genetics*
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism
  • Syndecan-1 / genetics*
  • Syndecan-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Glp-1 protein, C elegans
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Syndecan-1