A small molecular module helps time development of C. elegans
For an animal to develop normally, cells must not only become the right types but also do so at the right time. In the worm C. elegans, the protein LIN28 has long been known as an important regulator of this timing: It keeps cells in a flexible state and delays their shift toward adult-like forms. In humans and other mammals, related LIN28 proteins have been associated with the timing of puberty.
A new study from researchers at the Grosshans lab reveals that the protein LIN28 in the C. elegans worm controls developmental timing primarily through two specific RNA molecules. Despite binding many other RNAs, LIN28's role is more focused on these two essential targets. When the researchers removed these two RNA molecules in animals lacking LIN28, the developmental changes normally caused by LIN28 loss disappeared.
Conversely, increasing the levels of both RNA molecules in animals with reduced LIN28 function led to premature vulval development, resembling animals missing LIN28. This discovery suggests that biological timing can be controlled through a small set of molecules, offering a simpler view of how this process works. The findings also raise questions about how frequently broad molecular interactions reduce to just a few key targets carrying most of the biological effect.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
