High impact information on vab-7

• We further show that vab-7 itself represses the T-box gene mab-9 in posterior cells [1].
• Inhibiting tbx-9 alone using RNA interference (RNAi) produces worms that have a thickened, 'bobbed tail' phenotype, similar to that seen in mutants of vab-7, which itself has been shown to pattern posterior muscle and hypodermal cells [1].
• In support of the view that these genes function in the same pathway, we find that tbx-8 and tbx-9 are both necessary and sufficient for vab-7 expression [1].
• A regulatory network of T-box genes and the even-skipped homologue vab-7 controls patterning and morphogenesis in C. elegans [1].
• Thus, during posterior patterning in C. elegans, there are multiple interactions between T-box genes and the vab-7 homeobox gene [1].

Biological context of vab-7

• Thus, vab-7 indirectly promotes DB-specific gene expression and posteriorly directed axon outgrowth by preventing UNC-4 repression of DB differentiation [2].

Anatomical context of vab-7

• In addition, cell ablation studies in the vab-7 mutant indicate that the altered position of the gonad not only changes the cell fate pattern but also the developmental competence of vulval precursor cells [3].
• Evidence is presented showing that expression of the zygotic patterning gene vab-7 does not depend on cell position or cell contacts, but rather on the production of a C blastomere [4].
• The nematode even-skipped homolog vab-7 regulates gonad and vulva position in Pristionchus pacificus [3].

Other interactions of vab-7

• Furthermore, pal-1, a caudal homologue with maternal product necessary for the proper development of the C blastomere, is both necessary and sufficient for vab-7 expression [4].
• In a vab-7 mutant, ectopic UNC-4 represses acr-5 and induces an anteriorly directed DB axon trajectory [2].

References