C. elegans Germline Stem Cell Niche and Distal Tip Cell Functions
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Questions and Answers

What role does the Distal Tip Cell (DTC) play in the C. elegans Germline Stem Cell (GSC) niche?

  • Supports differentiation of germ cells
  • Promotes expression of GLD genes
  • Inhibits the mitotic zone in GSCs
  • Maintains GSC self-renewal through Notch signaling (correct)

    • Which proteins are responsible for inhibiting the differentiation of germ cells in C. elegans GSCs?

  • GLD-1
  • GLD-2 and GLD-3
  • FBF-1 and FBF-2 (correct)
  • FOG-1 and FOG-3

    • What is the function of Notch (GLP-1) signaling in C. elegans Germline Stem Cells (GSCs)?

  • Promotes expression of GLD genes
  • Necessary and sufficient to maintain GSCs (correct)
  • Maintains the mitotic zone in GSCs
  • Induces differentiation of germ cells

    • Which proteins play a role in promoting differentiation towards a sperm fate in C. elegans germ cells?

    <p>FOG-1 and FOG-3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which proteins act as post-transcriptional silencers in C. elegans germ cells?

    <p>FBF-1 and FBF-2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of NICD in C. elegans Germline Stem Cells (GSCs)?

    <p>Enters the nucleus to activate transcription of notch target genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process occurs in the distal gonad of C. elegans?

    <p>Mitosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which developmental stage in C. elegans marks the commitment to sperm development?

    <p>L4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the spermatheca in C. elegans?

    <p>Storage of spermatozoa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what developmental stage does oogenesis begin in C. elegans?

    <p>L4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of movement do spermatozoa in C. elegans exhibit?

    <p>Amoeboid movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do germline stem cells (GSCs) in C. elegans primarily generate oocytes?

    <p>Proximal gonad</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the Distal Tip Cell in the C. elegans germline stem cell niche?

    <p>Promoting mitosis and inhibiting meiosis of the germ cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the critical role of stem cell niches in relation to stem cells?

    <p>Regulation of self-renewal and differentiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Notch-Delta Signaling contribute to the maintenance of mitosis in germline stem cells?

    <p>Facilitates intimate contact between the Distal Tip Cell and germline stem cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is NOT part of the C. elegans germline stem cell niche?

    <p>Integrins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is promoting mitosis important for germline stem cells?

    <p>To maintain the pool of germline stem cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the C. elegans germline stem cell niche?

    <p>'Composed of a single Distal Tip Cell'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Stem Cell Niche

    • Stem cell niches play a critical role in stem cell maintenance and regulation of self-renewal and differentiation
    • A niche is a complex microenvironment composed of supporting cells, extracellular matrix components, tissue biomechanics, and secreted factors

    C. elegans Germline Stem Cell Niche

    • The C. elegans germline stem cell niche consists of a single cell, the Distal Tip Cell (DTC)
    • The DTC maintains the pool of germline stem cells
    • The DTC has two major functions: (1) gonadal arm elongation during development and (2) promoting mitosis and/or inhibiting meiosis of the germ cells

    Notch-Delta Signaling

    • Notch and Delta are both transmembrane proteins
    • Intimate contact between the DTC and germline stem cells allows for Notch-Delta signaling
    • Notch-Delta signaling is necessary and sufficient to maintain germline stem cells and the mitotic zone
    • Notch signaling controls germline stem cell self-renewal and is also involved in stem cell fate in vertebrates

    Germline Stem Cell Self-Renewal

    • FBF-1 and FBF-2 have redundant functions and inhibit differentiation
    • FBF proteins are post-transcriptional silencers that maintain expression of FBF-1 and FBF-2
    • NICD in GSCs maintains expression of FBF-1 and FBF-2

    C. elegans Life Cycle and Gonad Development

    • Each of the two gonad arms is a U-shaped tube that generates male and female gametes
    • Mitosis occurs in the distal gonad, and germ cells enter meiosis as they move proximally
    • Oogenesis begins at L4 and continues throughout adulthood, while spermatogenesis begins at L2 and ends at L4

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    Description

    Explore the functions of the Distal Tip Cell (DTC) in supporting germline stem cells (GSC) in C. elegans. Learn about how the DTC niche influences germline stem cell differentiation and the role of Notch signaling in maintaining GSCs. This quiz is based on information from Xie Germline stem cell niche.

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