2010 - 19th Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium

Session Time : 4/22/10 12:15 PM - 4/22/10 1:30 PM

Content Area : Genetics

Student Presenters :
Farah Abdirizak Jama Biology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Laura Mathies Genetics

Abstract Title : Determining the function and regulation of microRNA genes in C. elegans gonadogenesis

Abstract :
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in development, metabolism, cell death, and cell fate. We are interested in the mechanisms controlling reproductive system development in C. elegans, and specifically the contribution of two miRNA genes. C. elegans gonadogenesis begins with the formation of a four-celled gonad primodium consisting of two somatic gonadal precursors (SGPs) and two primordial germ cells. The SGPs give rise to all somatic tissues of the adult reproductive system. The zinc finger transcription factor EHN-3 is expressed specifically in the SGPs and is important for development of many differentiated tissues of the reproductive system. Despite the importance of this transcription factor, we currently know of only one gene that is regulated by EHN-3. In this study, we show that two miRNA genes, mir-237 and mir-84, are expressed in the SGPs and are regulated by EHN-3. Deletions of either mir-84 or mir-237 cause no obvious phenotype. Since mir-84 and mir-237 have overlapping expression patterns, we examined a mir-84 mir-237 double mutant and found that it has altered gene expression in the distal tip cells. Our results suggest that mir-84 and mir-237 are functionally redundant in the somatic gonad. The study of C. elegans miRNAs holds great promise for dissecting complex biological processes that involve gene regulation, cell fate specification and cellular differentiation.