Isolation and characterization of the activated B cell factor 1 homolog in caenorhabditis elegans
Poster Number
25
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
The gene called CeABF-1 of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a protein very similar to the vertebrate activated B cell factor (ABF-1) protein. In vertebrates, the ABF-1 gene encodes a Class II basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor which is implicated in B cell development. Class II bHLH proteins heterodimerize with Class I bHLH proteins like E2A to act as regulators of transcription. E2A proteins (as homodimers) are also transcriptional regulators. Class I bHLH homodimers and Class I/Class II heterodimers such as ABF-1/E2A have different regulatory properties. CeABF-1 can replace ABF-1 in mammalian cells, showing that these proteins are functionally identical. CeABF-1 expression is highest during that 13 and 14 larval stages, during which several reproductive structures develop and some parts of the nervous and muscular system are modified. We are interested in determining the normal functions and partners for CeABF- 1 in nematode development. To do this, we have begun two experiments. We are also using a Yeast two hybrid screen to identify other nematode proteins which interact with CeABF-1. We have also entered a collaboration to find mutations in the CeABF-1 gene in order to study its developmental function. These studies will help us understand the function of CeABF-1 in C. elegans and the function of ABF-1 like genes in all organisms.
Location
Pacific Geosciences Center
Start Date
20-4-2002 9:00 AM
End Date
20-4-2002 5:00 PM
Isolation and characterization of the activated B cell factor 1 homolog in caenorhabditis elegans
Pacific Geosciences Center
The gene called CeABF-1 of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a protein very similar to the vertebrate activated B cell factor (ABF-1) protein. In vertebrates, the ABF-1 gene encodes a Class II basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor which is implicated in B cell development. Class II bHLH proteins heterodimerize with Class I bHLH proteins like E2A to act as regulators of transcription. E2A proteins (as homodimers) are also transcriptional regulators. Class I bHLH homodimers and Class I/Class II heterodimers such as ABF-1/E2A have different regulatory properties. CeABF-1 can replace ABF-1 in mammalian cells, showing that these proteins are functionally identical. CeABF-1 expression is highest during that 13 and 14 larval stages, during which several reproductive structures develop and some parts of the nervous and muscular system are modified. We are interested in determining the normal functions and partners for CeABF- 1 in nematode development. To do this, we have begun two experiments. We are also using a Yeast two hybrid screen to identify other nematode proteins which interact with CeABF-1. We have also entered a collaboration to find mutations in the CeABF-1 gene in order to study its developmental function. These studies will help us understand the function of CeABF-1 in C. elegans and the function of ABF-1 like genes in all organisms.