Participation of the Protein G _o in Multiple Aspects of Behavior in C. elegans

Abstract

The goa-1 gene encoding the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein (G protein) Go from Caenorhabditis elegans is expressed in most neurons, and in the muscles involved in egg laying and male mating. Reduction-of-function mutations in goa-1 caused a variety of behavioral defects including hyperactive movement, premature egg laying, and male impotence. Expression of the activated Go alpha subunit (G alpha o) in transgenic nematodes resulted in lethargic movement, delayed egg laying, and reduced mating efficiency. Induced expression of activated G alpha o in adults was sufficient to cause these phenotypes, indicating that G alpha o mediates behavior through its role in neuronal function and the functioning of specialized muscles.

G o α regulates olfactory adaptation by antagonizing G q α-DAG signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…As in mammals, GOA-1 G o ␣ is ubiquitously expressed in the nervous system in C. elegans and reported to be involved in many aspects of behavior (21,22). In our study, we demonstrated that GOA-1 modulates sensory responses, specifically, olfactory adaptation (and salt chemotaxis plasticity) in C. elegans.…”

“…However, the mode of action of G o in these behaviors is unclear. C. elegans has 21 G protein ␣-subunit genes (19,20), and the only orthologue of mammalian G o ␣ is encoded by the goa-1 gene (21,22). Mutations in goa-1 cause various defects in behaviors, including locomotion and egg laying.…”

Potential roles of heterotrimeric G proteins of the endomembrane system

“…One possible explanation for the observed specificity of heterotrimer subunit composition is a compartmentalization of the signal transduction elements in the plasma membrane of intact cells [26]. Nevertheless, the G~o subunit is currently without a specific effector-regulating function, though results obtained from modulating gene expression of the G~o gene in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans underline an important role of this G protein in various neuronal functions [51,52].…”

Identification and molecular characterization of the Gα12–Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…In particular, G protein-mediated signaling pathways such as Go-or Gqmediated pathways have been well characterized in C. elegans (19,20). In addition, analysis of G␣12 expression in C. elegans (21) and its signaling via tpa-1, a homologue of protein kinase C in pharyngeal muscle cells, have recently been reported (22).…”