NHR-23 dependent collagen and hedgehog-related genes required for molting

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.08.124Get rights and content
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Abstract

NHR-23, a conserved member of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors, is required for normal development in Caenorhabditis elegans where it plays a critical role in growth and molting. In a search for NHR-23 dependent genes, we performed whole genome comparative expression microarrays on both control and nhr-23 inhibited synchronized larvae. Genes that decreased in response to nhr-23 RNAi included several collagen genes. Unexpectedly, several hedgehog-related genes were also down-regulated after nhr-23 RNAi. A homozygous nhr-23 deletion allele was used to confirm the RNAi knockdown phenotypes and the changes in gene expression. Our results indicate that NHR-23 is a critical co-regulator of functionally linked genes involved in growth and molting and reveal evolutionary parallels among the ecdysozoa.

Highlights

► NHR-23 is a critical regulator of nematode development and molting. ► The manuscript characterizes the loss-of-function phenotype of an nhr-23 mutant. ► Whole genome expression analysis identifies new potential targets of NHR-23. ► Hedgehog-related genes are identified as NHR-23 dependent genes. ► New link between sterol mediated signaling and regulation by NHR-23 is found.

Keywords

Nuclear hormone receptor
Caenorhabditis elegans
NHR-23
Transcription
Gene expression
Development
Hedgehog
Molting
ROR

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