A reverse genetic analysis of components of the Toll signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

摘要: Abstract Background: Both animals and plants respond rapidly to pathogens by inducing the expression of defense-related genes. Whether such an inducible system innate immunity is present in model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans currently open question. Among conserved signaling pathways important for immunity, Toll pathway best characterized. In Drosophila , this also has essential developmental role. C. possesses structural homologs components pathway, observation raises possibility that a might function nematodes trigger defense mechanisms or control development. Results: We have generated characterized deletion mutants four genes supposed pathway. These are tol-1 trf-1 pik-1 ikb-1 homologous melanogaster dTraf pelle cactus genes, respectively. Of these only required None them resistance number pathogens. On other hand, capable distinguishing different bacterial species tendency avoid certain pathogens, including Serratia marcescens . The defective their avoidance pathogenic S. although chemosensory behaviors wild type. Conclusions: development pathogen recognition, as but remarkably latter role, it functions context behavioral mechanism keeps worms away from potential danger.