MCTP-1 modulates neurotransmitter release in C. elegans

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2020 Sep:107:103528. doi: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103528. Epub 2020 Jul 7.

Abstract

Multiple C2 and Transmembrane Domain Proteins (MCTPs) are putative calcium sensors. Proteins that contain C2 domains play essential roles in membrane trafficking and exocytosis; however, MCTPs functions in neurotransmitter release are not known. Here we report that in C. elegans mctp-1 is under the control of two promoters - one active in the nervous system and the second in the spermatheca. We generated and characterized a loss of function amt1 mutant and compared it to a previously published loss of function mutant (av112). Loss of mctp-1 function causes defects in egg-laying, crawling velocity, and thrashing rates. Both amt1 and av112 mutants are hyposensitive to the acetylcholinesterase blocker aldicarb, suggesting that MCTP-1 may play a role in synaptic vesicle release.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / analogs & derivatives*
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Exocytosis / drug effects*
  • Exocytosis / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology
  • Synaptic Vesicles / drug effects*
  • Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • 1-methyl-4-cyclohexyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Calcium