Towards the identification of proteins that may function with LON-1 in regulating C. elegans body size

BMPs (Bone Morphogenetic Proteins) are signaling molecules crucial in embryonic development and cell proliferation in humans, with malfunctions in the BMP pathway resulting in hereditary disorders. The BMP pathway is highly conserved. In C. elegans this pathway regulates body size, partly through regulating lon-1 expression in the hypodermis. lon-1 mutant worms are longer than wildtype. LON-1 is a secreted protein with a CAP (Cysteine-rich secretory proteins, Antigen 5, and Pathogenesis-related 1 proteins) domain. However, how LON-1 functions to regulate body size is not well understood. Previous experiments have identified a list of proteins that may interact with LON-1. Sequence data analysis also found other CAP domain proteins that might serve a similar function to LON-1. We aim to identify genes among these candidates that may function to regulate body size. We used RNAi to knockdown the expression of the candidate genes in an RNAi-enhanced rrf-3 mutant strain and in an rrf-3; dbl-1 double mutant strain that is also lacking the BMP-like ligand DBL-1. By imaging RNAi-treated worms at the young adult and one-day-old adult stages, measuring their body lengths using Fiji, and analyzing and performing statistical analysis on the data using R, we found one gene (hpo-26) likely functioning in parallel to dbl-1, and four genes that may function in the same pathway as dbl-1, to regulate body size. In the future, knockout mutants for these genes will be tested for their roles in body size regulation and their relationship with the BMP pathway.

I am so grateful to have been a part of the BTI summer research program. I learned so much with the Liu Lab, and it has genuinely been one of the most incredible experiences. This opportunity has been so valuable in deciding what to do in the future, as it solidified my resolve to pursue research. I feel so fortunate to have had such an amazing mentor and such wonderful lab members, and I can’t fully express how enjoyable it’s been to be part of the lab. I really appreciate the support I’ve received from Byron Williams, Kelly Liu, Zhiyu Liu, Dillon Gardner, and Gwyneth Bao. They have all been so welcoming and helpful throughout my time at the lab. Also, with their guidance, I feel like I’ve learned more in one summer than in years of classes. I gained knowledge about C. elegans, picked up techniques like PCR, genetic crosses, gel electrophoresis, micropipetting, genetic sequencing, microscopy, and bacterial transformation, and developed general skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through the weekly seminars and events, I’ve been exposed to so many areas of study, which has broadened my horizons for future paths. Not only have I learned a great deal in such a short span of time, but I also have discovered so much more that I still have yet to learn. I can’t thank BTI enough for this opportunity; I’ve made so many friends and memories alongside the knowledge I’ve gained.