High impact information on dpy-14

• In the 0.65 map-unit interval around unc-15 defined by dpy-14 and unc-56, seven newly identified genes have been mapped relative to five existing genes [1].
• The physical and genetic maps in the dpy-14 region were linked by positioning two N2/BO polymorphisms with respect to duplications in the region, and by localizing the right breakpoint of the deficiency hDf8 on the physical map [2].
• This novel phenotype due to collagen mutations further stresses that dpy-14 plays a fundamental role in C. elegans physiology, since it is required for the proper development of the hypoderm [3].
• Interestingly, seam cells of dpy-14 mutants do not properly fuse to form a syncytium [3].
• SAGE data and dpy-14 promoter::GFP reporter constructs indicate that the gene is transcribed mainly during embryogenesis, specifically in ciliated neurons and hypoderm [3].

References