Caenorhabditis elegans ABCRNAi transporters interact genetically with rde-2 and mut-7

Genetics. 2008 Feb;178(2):801-14. doi: 10.1534/genetics.107.081588. Epub 2008 Feb 1.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms are conserved and consist of an interrelated network of activities that not only respond to exogenous dsRNA, but also perform endogenous functions required in the fine tuning of gene expression and in maintaining genome integrity. Not surprisingly, RNAi functions have widespread influences on cellular function and organismal development. Previously, we observed a reduced capacity to mount an RNAi response in nine Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that are defective in ABC transporter genes (ABC(RNAi) mutants). Here, we report an exhaustive study of mutants, collectively defective in 49 different ABC transporter genes, that allowed for the categorization of one additional transporter into the ABC(RNAi) gene class. Genetic complementation tests reveal functions for ABC(RNAi) transporters in the mut-7/rde-2 branch of the RNAi pathway. These second-site noncomplementation interactions suggest that ABC(RNAi) proteins and MUT-7/RDE-2 function together in parallel pathways and/or as multiprotein complexes. Like mut-7 and rde-2, some ABC(RNAi) mutants display transposon silencing defects. Finally, our analyses reveal a genetic interaction network of ABC(RNAi) gene function with respect to this part of the RNAi pathway. From our results, we speculate that the coordinated activities of ABC(RNAi) transporters, through their effects on endogenous RNAi-related mechanisms, ultimately affect chromosome function and integrity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • DNA / genetics
  • Exoribonucleases / genetics*
  • Exoribonucleases / metabolism
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • RDE-2 protein, C elegans
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • DNA
  • Exoribonucleases
  • MUT-7 protein, C elegans