Basal cytoplasmic calcium levels regulate <i>C. elegans</i> germ stem cell proliferation.

ABSTRACT: The C. elegans germline is one of the foremost model systems for the study of germ cell biology. We have created an integrated ratiometric calcium reporter that allows comparative analysis of calcium levels in germ cells. We observe a positive correlation between the rate of cell proliferation and calcium levels. Conditions that decrease proliferation decrease basal cytoplasmic calcium levels, these include starvation and loss of insulin, TGF-β, and folate signaling. Conversely, overproliferating germline tumor cells have increased basal cytoplasmic calcium levels. To determine if basal calcium levels regulate the rate of proliferation, we decreased calcium levels by inactivating the TRPM7-related GON-2 calcium channel. A gon-2 null mutant has significantly decreased basal cy

SUBMITTER: Wells AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12621898 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature