Isolation of the him-4 suppressor mutation which rescues the vitality of C. elegans
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Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis contains hemicentin, which is a protein that aids in gonad development, as well as tissue formation. The him-4 gene, associated with the production of hemicentin, was used to observe the effects of mutagenesis on C. elegans development and to isolate progeny that suppressed it. Five suppressors of him-4 (e1267) were isolated, and its phenotypes were compared to N2 (wild-type) and him-4. Phenotypic analyses revealed there had been a significant amount of suppression of the him-4 mutation. The results of the RNAi indicate some of the suppressors had an increased number of offspring when compared to him-4 mutants by the five suppressors. RNAi pat-3 and ina-1 indicated that some of the suppressors had an increased number of offspring when compared to the him-4 mutants. The overall results of the phenotypic assays, RNAi and hatch rates indicate some degree of suppression and seem to support the possibility of reversing the effects of him-4. Further research into the mechanisms of suppression and gene interaction, could result in significant information could then be applied to the human ortholog of hemicentin.