Reciprocal changes in expression of the receptor lin-12 and its ligand lag-2 prior to commitment in a C. elegans cell fate decision

摘要: During development of the C. elegans hermaphrodite gonad, two cells interact with each other, so that one chooses to become anchor cell (AC) and other becomes a ventral uterine precursor (VU). This interaction is mediated by receptor LIN-12 its apparent ligand LAG-2. We show initially lin-12 lag-2 are expressed in both cells, but prior commitment, expression patterns change reciprocal manner, restricted presumptive VU AC. In addition, activity promotes represses lag-2. Furthermore, we positive autoregulation transcription cis-acting 5' regulatory sequence necessary specify fate. Our results suggest transcriptional control component feedback mechanism involved specifying AC fates.