Uncovering the essential roles of glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 orthologs in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Human glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 (GCP2) from the M28B metalloprotease group is an important target for therapy in neurological disorders and an established tumor marker. However, its physiological functions remain unclear. To better understand general roles, we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to genetically manipulate its three existing orthologous genes and evaluate the impact on worm physiology. The results of gene knockout studies showed that C. elegans GCP2 orthologs affect the pharyngeal physiology, reproduction, and structural integrity of the organism. Promoter-driven GFP expression revealed distinct localization for each of the three gene paralogs, with gcp-2.1 being most abundant in muscles, intestine, and pharyngeal interneurons, gcp-2.2 restricted to the phasmid

SUBMITTER: Panska L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10794815 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature