ABSTRACT
The developmental fate of cells is regulated by intrinsic factors and the extracellular environment. The extracellular matrix (matrisome) delivers chemical and mechanical cues that can modify cellular development. However, comprehensive understanding of how matrisome factors control cells in vivo is lacking. Here we show that specific matrisome factors act individually and collectively to control germ cell development. Surveying development of undifferentiated germline stem cells through to mature oocytes in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line enabled holistic functional analysis of 443 conserved matrisome-coding genes. Using high-content imaging, 3D reconstruction, and cell behavior analysis, we identify 321 matrisome genes that impact germ cell development, the majority of which (>80%) are undescribed. Our analysis identifies key matrisome networks acting autonomously and non-autonomously to coordinate germ cell behavior. Further, our results demonstrate that germ cell development requires continual remodeling of the matrisome landscape. Together, this study provides a comprehensive platform for deciphering how extracellular signaling controls cellular development and anticipate this will establish new opportunities for manipulating cell fates.
Subject(s)
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins , Caenorhabditis elegans , Cell Differentiation , Extracellular Matrix , Germ Cells , Animals , Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolism , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Germ Cells/metabolism , Germ Cells/cytology , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/metabolism , Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Signal Transduction , Cell Lineage/genetics , Oocytes/metabolism , Oocytes/cytologyABSTRACT
Communication between the soma and germline optimizes germ cell fate programs. Notch receptors are key determinants of germ cell fate but how somatic signals direct Notch-dependent germ cell behavior is undefined. Here we demonstrate that SDN-1 (syndecan-1), a somatic transmembrane proteoglycan, controls expression of the GLP-1 (germline proliferation-1) Notch receptor in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. We find that SDN-1 control of a somatic TRP calcium channel governs calcium-dependent binding of an AP-2 transcription factor (APTF-2) to the glp-1 promoter. Hence, SDN-1 signaling promotes GLP-1 expression and mitotic germ cell fate. Together, these data reveal SDN-1 as a putative communication nexus between the germline and its somatic environment to control germ cell fate decisions.
Subject(s)
Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics , Cell Differentiation/genetics , Germ Cells/metabolism , Receptors, Notch/genetics , Syndecan-1/genetics , Animals , Animals, Genetically Modified , Caenorhabditis elegans/growth & development , Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolism , Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/metabolism , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Cells, Cultured , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Germ Cells/cytology , HEK293 Cells , Humans , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Larva/genetics , Larva/growth & development , Larva/metabolism , Mice , Microscopy, Confocal , RNA Interference , Receptors, Notch/metabolism , Syndecan-1/metabolismABSTRACT
Cell-extracellular matrix interactions are crucial for the development of an organism from the earliest stages of embryogenesis. The main constituents of the extracellular matrix are collagens, laminins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans that form a network of interactions. The extracellular matrix and its associated molecules provide developmental cues and structural support from the outside of cells during development. The complex nature of the extracellular matrix and its ability for continuous remodeling poses challenges when investigating extracellular matrix-based signaling during development. One way to address these challenges is to employ invertebrate models such as Caenorhabditis elegans, which are easy to genetically manipulate and have an invariant developmental program. C. elegans also expresses fewer extracellular matrix protein isoforms and exhibits reduced redundancy compared to mammalian models, thus providing a simpler platform for exploring development. This review summarizes our current understanding of how the extracellular matrix controls the development of neurons, muscles and the germline in C. elegans.
