The reproductive system of the hermaphroditic nematode C. elegans consists of a series of contractile cell types-including the gonadal sheath cells, the spermathecal cells and the spermatheca⁻uterine valve-that contract in a coordinated manner to regulate oocyte entry and exit of the fertilized embryo into the uterus. Contraction is driven by acto-myosin contraction and relies on the development and maintenance of specialized acto-myosin networks in each cell type. Study of this system has revealed insights into the regulation of acto-myosin network assembly and contractility in vivo.
Keywords: C. elegans; actin cytoskeleton; contractility; sheath; spermatheca.