C. elegans DAF-18/PTEN mediates nutrient-dependent arrest of cell cycle and growth in the germline.

TitleC. elegans DAF-18/PTEN mediates nutrient-dependent arrest of cell cycle and growth in the germline.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsFukuyama M, Rougvie AE, Rothman JH
JournalCurr Biol
Volume16
Issue8
Pagination773-9
Date Published2006 Apr 18
ISSN0960-9822
KeywordsAnimals, Caenorhabditis elegans, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins, G2 Phase, Germ Cells, Larva, Longevity, Nutritional Requirements
Abstract

The molecular pathways that link nutritional cues to developmental programs are poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans hatchlings arrest in a dormant state termed "L1 diapause" until food is supplied. However, little is known about what signal transduction pathways mediate nutritional status to control arrest and initiation of postembryonic development. We report that C. elegans embryonic germline precursors undergo G2 arrest with condensed chromosomes and remain arrested throughout L1 diapause. Loss of the DAF-18/PTEN tumor suppressor bypasses this arrest, resulting in inappropriate germline growth dependent on the AGE-1/PI-3 and AKT-1/PKB kinases. DAF-18 also regulates an insulin/IGF-like pathway essential for longevity and dauer larva formation. However, DAF-16/FoxO, which is repressed by this pathway, is not required for germline arrest in L1 diapause. Thus, these findings indicate that quiescence of germline development during L1 diapause is not a passive consequence of nutrient deprivation, but rather is actively maintained by DAF-18 through a pathway distinct from that which regulates longevity and dauer formation.

DOI10.1016/j.cub.2006.02.073
Alternate JournalCurr. Biol.
PubMed ID16631584
Grant ListCA95943 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
GM50227 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States