TRPM channels are required for rhythmicity in the ultradian defecation rhythm of C. elegans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ultradian rhythms, rhythms with a period of less than 24 hours, are a widespread and fundamental aspect of life. The mechanisms underlying the control of such rhythms remain only partially understood. Defecation in C. elegans is a very tightly controlled rhythmic process. Underlying the defecation motor programme is an oscillator which functions in the intestinal cells of the animal. This mechanism includes periodic calcium release and subsequent intercellular calcium waves which in turn regulate the muscle contractions that make up the defecation motor programme. Here we investigate the role of TRPM cation channels in this process.

Results

We use RNA interference (RNAi) to perturb TRPM channel gene expression. We show that combined knock down of two of the TRPM e

SUBMITTER: Kwan CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2409367 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature