| Research Abstract |
Previously we established a novel high-throughput reverse genetic method ("RNAi-by-soaking") to systematically characterize gene functions in the nematode C. elegans.
Using this technique, we have screened for gene involved in germline development. We used a non-redundant CDNA set made by Yuji Kohara, as templates to synthesize double-stranded RNA. To date, we have analyzed the RNAi phenotypes for 2800 cDNAs, and 31 of those caused germline-specific defects and became sterile adults. The germline phenotypes included defects in germline proliferation, oogenesis, gonadogenesis, and fertilization. Thus, this screen effectively identified genes involved in various steps in germline development.
Among the genes identified in this screen, we have further characterized a gene, hmg-3, that has a HMG box, and found that it is involved in germline proliferation. We also performed RNAi experiments for the hmg-4 gene that shares a high homology with hmg-3, which resulted in larval lethality. In addition, RNAi for both hmg-3 and hmg-4 caused embryonic lethality. These results suggest that hmg-3 and hmg-4 have redundant functions during embryogenesis, and in post-embryonic development, they play distinct roles in germline and somatic development, respectively.
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