The conserved molting/circadian rhythm regulator NHR-23/NR1F1 serves as an essential co-regulator of C. elegans spermatogenesis.

ABSTRACT: In sexually reproducing metazoans, spermatogenesis is the process by which uncommitted germ cells give rise to haploid sperm. Work in model systems has revealed mechanisms controlling commitment to the sperm fate, but how this fate is subsequently executed remains less clear. While studying the well-established role of the conserved nuclear hormone receptor transcription factor, NHR-23/NR1F1, in regulating C. elegans molting, we discovered that NHR-23/NR1F1 is also constitutively expressed in developing primary spermatocytes and is a critical regulator of spermatogenesis. In this novel role, NHR-23/NR1F1 functions downstream of the canonical sex-determination pathway. Degron-mediated depletion of NHR-23/NR1F1 within hermaphrodite or male germlines causes sterility due to an absence

SUBMITTER: Ragle JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7710015 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature