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The Ras-MAPK pathway is important for olfaction in Caenorhabditis elegans

Author

Listed:
  • Takaaki Hirotsu

    (Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, The University of Tokyo)

  • Satoshi Saeki

    (The University of Tokyo
    Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd)

  • Masayuki Yamamoto

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Yuichi Iino

    (Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, The University of Tokyo)

Abstract

The Ras-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signal transduction pathway is well known to control cellular proliferation and differentiation in response to extracellular signals, but its other functions are less understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans this pathway regulates several developmental events, such as vulval induction and progression of meiosis1, but its function in the nervous system is unknown. Here we report that the Ras-MAPK pathway is involved in olfaction in this organism. Mutational inactivation and hyperactivation of this pathway impairs efficiency of chemotaxis to a set of odorants. Experiments in which let-60 ras was expressed using a heat-shock promoter and a cell-specific promoter show that a normal activity of LET-60 Ras is required in mature olfactory neurons. Application of the odorant isoamylalcohol to wild-type animals leads to the activation of MAP kinase in olfactory neurons within 10 seconds. This induction is dependent on the function of the nucleotide-gated channel TAX-2/TAX-4 and the voltage-activated calcium channel subunit UNC-2. These results suggest a dynamic regulatory role for the Ras-MAPK pathway in perception and transmission of sensory signals in olfactory neurons.

Suggested Citation

  • Takaaki Hirotsu & Satoshi Saeki & Masayuki Yamamoto & Yuichi Iino, 2000. "The Ras-MAPK pathway is important for olfaction in Caenorhabditis elegans," Nature, Nature, vol. 404(6775), pages 289-293, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:404:y:2000:i:6775:d:10.1038_35005101
    DOI: 10.1038/35005101
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