Identification of CeABF-1 interacting proteins in Caenorhabiditis elegans
Poster Number
10
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
The gene CeABF-1 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a basic Helix Loop Helix (bHLH) transcription factor. The encoded protein is functionally similar to the product of the ABF-1 gene in mammals. The mammalian protein appears to be important during normal development and may also be misexpressed in certain abnormal cells. In order to further understand how this protein works in multicellular organisms, we are studying CeABF-l, in the hope that comparison of the simple nematode to the more complex mammal will elucidate fundamental principles of the function of this gene. As a first step, we are identifying proteins that interact with CeABF-1 using a "two-hybrid" screen. Thus far, we have cloned several possible interaction partners and confirmed the identity of several of these partners. One of the identified interacters is the gene CeE, which encodes the nematode homolog of a well-known ABF-1 partner. Other clones correspond to genes that have not been previously linked to ABF-1 or other bHLH transcription factors. Characterization of these genes may help us to understand how ABF-1 (and CeABF-1) function in normal cells.
Location
Pacific Geosciences Center
Start Date
26-4-2003 9:00 AM
End Date
26-4-2003 5:00 PM
Identification of CeABF-1 interacting proteins in Caenorhabiditis elegans
Pacific Geosciences Center
The gene CeABF-1 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a basic Helix Loop Helix (bHLH) transcription factor. The encoded protein is functionally similar to the product of the ABF-1 gene in mammals. The mammalian protein appears to be important during normal development and may also be misexpressed in certain abnormal cells. In order to further understand how this protein works in multicellular organisms, we are studying CeABF-l, in the hope that comparison of the simple nematode to the more complex mammal will elucidate fundamental principles of the function of this gene. As a first step, we are identifying proteins that interact with CeABF-1 using a "two-hybrid" screen. Thus far, we have cloned several possible interaction partners and confirmed the identity of several of these partners. One of the identified interacters is the gene CeE, which encodes the nematode homolog of a well-known ABF-1 partner. Other clones correspond to genes that have not been previously linked to ABF-1 or other bHLH transcription factors. Characterization of these genes may help us to understand how ABF-1 (and CeABF-1) function in normal cells.