The Evolutionarily Conserved LIM Homeodomain Protein LIM-4/LHX6 Specifies the Terminal Identity of a Cholinergic and Peptidergic C. elegans Sensory/Inter/Motor Neuron-Type

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005480
• Publication Date: 2015-08-25T18:16:33Z
• Authors: Jinmahn Kim; Jihye Yeon; Seong-Kyoon Choi; Yang Hoon Huh; Zi Fang; Seo Jin Park; Myoung Ok Kim; Zae Young Ryoo; Kyeongjin Kang; Hee-Seok Kweon; Won Bae Jeon; Chris Li; Kyuhyung Kim
• Keywords: LIM domain

The expression of specific transcription factors determines the differentiated features postmitotic neurons. However, mechanism by which molecules determine neuronal cell fate and extent to functions are conserved in evolution not fully understood. In C. elegans, cholinergic peptidergic SMB sensory/inter/motor neurons innervate muscle quadrants head control amplitude sinusoidal movement. Here we show that LIM homeobox protein LIM-4 characteristics lim-4 mutant animals, terminal differentiation genes, such as gene battery flp-12 neuropeptide gene, is completely abolished thus function compromised. activity promotes identity directly regulating marker genes via a distinct cis-regulatory motif. Two human orthologs, LHX6 LHX8, functionally substitute for elegans. Furthermore, elegans or can induce lines. Our results indicate evolutionarily LIM-4/LHX6 homeodomain proteins generation precise subtypes.