ifet-1 is a broad-scale translational repressor required for normal P granule formation in C. elegans

Madhu S Sengupta, Wai Yee (Lloyd) Low, Joseph R Patterson, Hyun-Min Kim, Ana Traven, Traude H Beilharz, Monica P Colaiacovo, Jennifer A Schisa, Peter R Boag

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein germ granule complexes are a common feature in germ cells. In C. elegans these are called P granules and for much of the life-cycle they associate with nuclear pore complexes in germ cells. P granules are rich in proteins that function in diverse RNA pathways. Here we report that the C. elegans homologue of the eIF4E-transporter IFET-1 is required for oogenesis but not spermatogenesis. We show IFET-1 is required for translational repression of several maternal mRNAs in the distal gonad and functions in conjunction with the broad-scale translational regulators CGH-1, CAR-1 and PATR-1 to regulate germ cell sex determination. Furthermore we have found that IFET-1 localises to P granules throughout the gonad and in the germ cell lineage in the embryo. Interestingly, IFET-1 is required for the normal ultrastructure of P granules and for the localization of CGH-1 and CAR-1 to P granules. Our findings suggest that IFET-1 is a key translational regulator and is required for normal P granule formation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)850 - 859
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Cell Science
Volume126
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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