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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.09.15.297556

Atypical TGF-beta Signaling Controls Neuronal Guidance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Baltaci, O.·Pedersen, M. E.·Sherry, T.·Handley, A.·Snieckute, G.·Haas, M.·Archer, S.·Pocock, R.
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Abstract

Coordinated expression of cell adhesion and signaling molecules is crucial for brain development. Here, we report that the Caenorhabditis elegans transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-{beta}) type I receptor SMA-6 (small-6) acts independently of its cognate TGF-{beta} type II receptor DAF-4 (dauer formation-defective-4) to control neuronal guidance. SMA-6 directs neuronal development from the epidermis through interactions with three, orphan, TGF-{beta} ligands. Intracellular signaling downstream of SMA-6 limits expression of NLR-1, an essential Neurexin-like cell adhesion receptor, to enable neuronal guidance. Together, our data identify an atypical TGF-{beta}-mediated regulatory mechanism to ensure correct development of the nervous system.

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Baltaci, O., Pedersen, M. E., Sherry, T., Handley, A., Snieckute, G., Haas, M., Archer, S., Pocock, R.. 2020-09-15. Atypical TGF-beta Signaling Controls Neuronal Guidance in Caenorhabditis elegans. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.15.297556

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