C30F12.4 influences oogenesis, fat metabolism, and lifespan in C. elegans

Abstract

Reproduction, fat metabolism, and longevity are intertwined regulatory axes; recent studies in C. elegans have provided evidence that these processes are directly coupled. However, the mechanisms by which they are coupled and the reproductive signals modulating fat metabolism and lifespan are poorly understood. Here, we find that an oogenesis-enriched gene, c30f12.4, is specifically expressed and located in germ cells and early embryos; when the gene is knocked out, oogenesis is disrupted and brood size is decreased. In addition to the reproductive phenotype, we find that the loss of c30f12.4alters fat metabolism, resulting in decreased fat storage and smaller lipid droplets. Meanwhile, c30f12.4mutant worms display a shortened lifespan. Our results highlight an important role for c30f12.4in regulating reproduction, fat homeostasis, and aging in C. elegans, which helps us to better understand the relationship between these processes.

Keywords

C30F12.4 / oogenesis / fat metabolism / lifespan

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The Author(s) 2016. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com and journal.hep.com.cn