scholarly journals From the research laboratory to the database: the Caenorhabditis elegans kinome in UniProtKB

2017 ◽  
Vol 474 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossana Zaru ◽  
Michele Magrane ◽  
Claire O'Donovan ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Protein Families ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Primary Literature ◽  
Data Collections

Protein kinases form one of the largest protein families and are found in all species, from viruses to humans. They catalyze the reversible phosphorylation of proteins, often modifying their activity and localization. They are implicated in virtually all cellular processes and are one of the most intensively studied protein families. In recent years, they have become key therapeutic targets in drug development as natural mutations affecting kinase genes are the cause of many diseases. The vast amount of data contained in the primary literature and across a variety of biological data collections highlights the need for a repository where this information is stored in a concise and easily accessible manner. The UniProt Knowledgebase meets this need by providing the scientific community with a comprehensive, high-quality and freely accessible resource of protein sequence and functional information. Here, we describe the expert curation process for kinases, focusing on the Caenorhabditis elegans kinome. The C. elegans kinome is composed of 438 kinases and almost half of them have been functionally characterized, highlighting that C. elegans is a valuable and versatile model organism to understand the role of kinases in biological processes.

scholarly journals Effects of NAD+ in Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Neuronal Damage

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 993
Author(s):  
Yuri Lee ◽  
Hyeseon Jeong ◽  
Kyung Hwan Park ◽  
Kyung Won Kim
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Axon Regeneration ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Neuronal Functions ◽  
Molecular Components

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential cofactor that mediates numerous biological processes in all living cells. Multiple NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes and NAD+-consuming enzymes are involved in neuroprotection and axon regeneration. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has served as a model to study the neuronal role of NAD+ because many molecular components regulating NAD+ are highly conserved. This review focuses on recent findings using C. elegans models of neuronal damage pertaining to the neuronal functions of NAD+ and its precursors, including a neuroprotective role against excitotoxicity and axon degeneration as well as an inhibitory role in axon regeneration. The regulation of NAD+ levels could be a promising therapeutic strategy to counter many neurodegenerative diseases, as well as neurotoxin-induced and traumatic neuronal damage.

scholarly journals Predicting the Function and Subcellular Location of Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins Similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-Oxidation Enzymes

Yeast ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-200
Author(s):  
Aner Gurvitz ◽  
Sigrid Langer ◽  
Martin Piskacek ◽  
Barbara Hamilton ◽  
Helmut Ruis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Zellweger Syndrome ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Subcellular Location ◽  
Peroxisomal Disorders ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Peroxisomal Targeting ◽  
Signal Type ◽  
Targeting Signal

The role of peroxisomal processes in the maintenance of neurons has not been thoroughly investigated. We propose using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for studying the molecular basis underlying neurodegeneration in certain human peroxisomal disorders, e.g. Zellweger syndrome, since the nematode neural network is well characterized and relatively simple in function. Here we have identified C. elegans PEX-5 (C34C6.6) representing the receptor for peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1), defective in patients with such disorders. PEX-5 interacted strongly in a two-hybrid assay with Gal4p–SKL, and a screen using PEX-5 identified interaction partners that were predominantly terminated with PTS1 or its variants. A list of C. elegans proteins with similarities to well-characterized yeast β-oxidation enzymes was compiled by homology probing. The possible subcellular localization of these orthologues was predicted using an algorithm based on trafficking signals. Examining the C termini of selected nematode proteins for PTS1 function substantiated predictions made regarding the proteins' peroxisomal location. It is concluded that the eukaryotic PEX5-dependent route for importing PTS1-containing proteins into peroxisomes is conserved in nematodes. C. elegans might emerge as an attractive model system for studying the importance of peroxisomes and affiliated processes in neurodegeneration, and also for studying a β-oxidation process that is potentially compartmentalized in both mitochondria and peroxisomes.

scholarly journals RNAi targeting Caenorhabditis elegans α-arrestins has small or no effects on lifespan

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Sangsoon Park ◽  
Yoonji Jung ◽  
Seon Woo A. An ◽  
Heehwa G. Son ◽  
Wooseon Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Receptor Desensitization ◽  
C Elegans

Background: α-arrestins are a family of proteins that are implicated in multiple biological processes, including metabolism and receptor desensitization. Methods: Here, we sought to examine the roles of α-arrestins in the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans through an RNA interference screen. Results: We found that knocking down each of 24 out of total 29 C. elegans α-arrestins had small or no effects on lifespan. Thus, individual C. elegans α-arrestins may have minor effects on longevity. Conclusions: This study will provide useful information for future research on the functional role of α-arrestins in aging and longevity.

scholarly journals RNAi targeting Caenorhabditis elegans α-arrestins has little effect on lifespan

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Sangsoon Park ◽  
Yoonji Jung ◽  
Seon Woo A. An ◽  
Heehwa G. Son ◽  
Wooseon Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Receptor Desensitization ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
C Elegans

Background: α-arrestins are a family of proteins that are implicated in multiple biological processes, including metabolism and receptor desensitization. Methods: Here, we sought to examine the roles of α-arrestins in the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans through an RNA interference screen. Results: We found that feeding worms with bacteria expressing double-stranded RNA against each of 24 out of total 29 C. elegans α-arrestins had little effect on lifespan. Thus, individual C. elegans α-arrestins may have minor effects on longevity. Conclusions: This study will provide useful information for future research on the functional role of α-arrestins in aging and longevity.

scholarly journals The cell biology of aging

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (25) ◽  
pp. 4524-4531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Race DiLoreto ◽  
Coleen T. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Dietary Restriction ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Natural Result ◽  
Biology Of Aging

One of the original hypotheses of organismal longevity posits that aging is the natural result of entropy on the cells, tissues, and organs of the animal—a slow, inexorable slide into nonfunctionality caused by stochastic degradation of its parts. We now have evidence that aging is instead at least in part genetically regulated. Many mutations have been discovered to extend lifespan in organisms of all complexities, from yeast to mammals. The study of metazoan model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, has been instrumental in understanding the role of genetics in the cell biology of aging. Longevity mutants across the spectrum of model organisms demonstrate that rates of aging are regulated through genetic control of cellular processes. The regulation and subsequent breakdown of cellular processes represent a programmatic decision by the cell to either continue or abandon maintenance procedures with age. Our understanding of cell biological processes involved in regulating aging have been particularly informed by longevity mutants and treatments, such as reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling and dietary restriction, which are critical in determining the distinction between causes of and responses to aging and have revealed a set of downstream targets that participate in a range of cell biological activities. Here we briefly review some of these important cellular processes.

scholarly journals RNAi targeting Caenorhabditis elegans α-arrestins marginally affects lifespan

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Sangsoon Park ◽  
Yoonji Jung ◽  
Seon Woo A. An ◽  
Heehwa G. Son ◽  
Wooseon Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Receptor Desensitization ◽  
C Elegans

Background: α-arrestins are a family of proteins that are implicated in multiple biological processes, including metabolism and receptor desensitization. Methods: Here, we sought to examine the roles of α-arrestins in the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans through an RNA interference screen. Results: We found that knocking down each of 24 out of total 29 C. elegans α-arrestins had small or no effects on lifespan. Thus, individual C. elegans α-arrestins may have minor effects on longevity. Conclusions: This study will provide useful information for future research on the functional role of α-arrestins in aging and longevity.

scholarly journals The Role of Ca2+ Signaling in Aging and Neurodegeneration: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans Models

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Alvarez ◽  
Pilar Alvarez-Illera ◽  
Paloma García-Casas ◽  
Rosalba I. Fonteriz ◽  
Mayte Montero
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Human Proteins ◽  
Β Amyloid ◽  
Key Events

Ca2+ is a ubiquitous second messenger that plays an essential role in physiological processes such as muscle contraction, neuronal secretion, and cell proliferation or differentiation. There is ample evidence that the dysregulation of Ca2+ signaling is one of the key events in the development of neurodegenerative processes, an idea called the “calcium hypothesis” of neurodegeneration. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a very good model for the study of aging and neurodegeneration. In fact, many of the signaling pathways involved in longevity were first discovered in this nematode, and many models of neurodegenerative diseases have also been developed therein, either through mutations in the worm genome or by expressing human proteins involved in neurodegeneration (β-amyloid, α-synuclein, polyglutamine, or others) in defined worm tissues. The worm is completely transparent throughout its whole life, which makes it possible to carry out Ca2+ dynamics studies in vivo at any time, by expressing Ca2+ fluorescent probes in defined worm tissues, and even in specific organelles such as mitochondria. This review will summarize the evidence obtained using this model organism to understand the role of Ca2+ signaling in aging and neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals RNAi targeting Caenorhabditis elegans α-arrestins has little effect on lifespan

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Sangsoon Park ◽  
Yoonji Jung ◽  
Seon Woo A. An ◽  
Heehwa G. Son ◽  
Wooseon Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Receptor Desensitization ◽  
C Elegans

Background: α-arrestins are a family of proteins that are implicated in multiple biological processes, including metabolism and receptor desensitization. Methods: Here, we sought to examine the roles of α-arrestins in the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans through an RNA interference screen. Results: We found that knocking down each of 24 out of total 29 C. elegans α-arrestins had little effect on lifespan. Thus, individual C. elegans α-arrestins may have minor effects on longevity. Conclusions: This study will provide useful information for future research on the functional role of α-arrestins in aging and longevity.

scholarly journals Role of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway genes on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Bazilah Zulkefli ◽  
Ahmad Nazrun Shuid ◽  
Goon Jo Aan
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Differential Expression Of Genes

Aging process is influenced by the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling (IIS) pathway or IGF-1 signaling pathway. Studies done on the genes of this pathway were found to affect longevity. However, no conclusive results have been drawn.The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the function of genes involved in the IIS pathway of Caenorhabditis Elegans (C. elegans), a nematode commonly used as a model organism in molecular genetics and developmental biology. A literature search for relevant studies was done through PubMed and Scopus databases using MeSH keywords Caenorhabditis elegans, C. elegans, nematode, genes, RNA, DNA, IIS pathway, IGF pathway, lifespan, and longevity. The search was limited to studies that were published in the last ten years (2008-May 2018). After exclusion of duplicates, review papers, human, in vitro, and other organismal studies, a total of 76 research articles were selected for further assessments. Data relevant to the effects of IIS genes on the lifespan ofC. eleganswas independently extracted. Reduction of daf-2 and age-1 and overexpression of sir-2.1 were reported to promote increment of the lifespan of C. elegans.  Furthermore, differentially expressed genes that were involved in the protection against oxidative stress, pathogen attack, and toxicity includeins-18, numr-1/-2, sgk-1, and rgs-1. The knockdown of daf-2, age-1, and overexpression of sir-2.1 genes prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans while knockdown of daf-16, hsf-1, sir-2.1 as well as skn-1 shorten the lifespan of C. elegans.In conclusion, the differential expression of genes in the IIS pathway prolongs the lifespan of C. elegans.

scholarly journals Characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans Homologs of the Down Syndrome Candidate Gene DYRK1A

Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (2) ◽  
pp. 571-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B Raich ◽  
Celine Moorman ◽  
Clay O Lacefield ◽  
Jonah Lehrer ◽  
Dusan Bartsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Trisomy 21 ◽  
Gene Dosage ◽  
Inducible Promoters ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Dual Specificity ◽  
Specificity Protein

Abstract The pathology of trisomy 21/Down syndrome includes cognitive and memory deficits. Increased expression of the dual-specificity protein kinase DYRK1A kinase (DYRK1A) appears to play a significant role in the neuropathology of Down syndrome. To shed light on the cellular role of DYRK1A and related genes we identified three DYRK/minibrain-like genes in the genome sequence of Caenorhabditis elegans, termed mbk-1, mbk-2, and hpk-1. We found these genes to be widely expressed and to localize to distinct subcellular compartments. We isolated deletion alleles in all three genes and show that loss of mbk-1, the gene most closely related to DYRK1A, causes no obvious defects, while another gene, mbk-2, is essential for viability. The overexpression of DYRK1A in Down syndrome led us to examine the effects of overexpression of its C. elegans ortholog mbk-1. We found that animals containing additional copies of the mbk-1 gene display behavioral defects in chemotaxis toward volatile chemoattractants and that the extent of these defects correlates with mbk-1 gene dosage. Using tissue-specific and inducible promoters, we show that additional copies of mbk-1 can impair olfaction cell-autonomously in mature, fully differentiated neurons and that this impairment is reversible. Our results suggest that increased gene dosage of human DYRK1A in trisomy 21 may disrupt the function of fully differentiated neurons and that this disruption is reversible.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document