Extracellular matrix regulation of stress response genes during larval development in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Mutation or loss of 6 extracellular matrix collagen genes disrupts annular furrows in adult C. elegans cuticles, causes a wide "Dumpy" body morphology, and activates osmotic, detoxification, and antimicrobial defense genes. High environmental osmolarity reduces internal turgor pressure, physically distorts the epidermis, and activates the same stress responses. Collagen gene mutations that cause Dumpy without furrow disruption do not activate stress responses. These results are consistent with an extracellular damage sensor associated with furrows in the adult cuticle that regulates environmental stress responses in adjacent cells. Several cuticle characteristics change between molts, but all stages have annular furrows and express furrow collagen genes. We compared body shape, furrow orga

SUBMITTER: Chandler LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9635657 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature