Gap junctions deliver malonyl-CoA from soma to germline to support embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Gap junctions are ubiquitous in metazoans and play critical roles in important biological processes, including electrical conduction and development. Yet, only a few defined molecules passing through gap junction channels have been linked to specific functions. We isolated gap junction channel mutants that reduce coupling between the soma and germ cells in the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad. We provide evidence that malonyl-CoA, the rate-limiting substrate for fatty acid synthesis (FAS), is produced in the soma and delivered through gap junctions to the germline; there it is used in fatty acid synthesis to critically support embryonic development. Separation of malonyl-CoA production from its site of utilization facilitates somatic control of germline development. Additionally, we dem

SUBMITTER: Starich TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7445009 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature