WormMine: ExpressionPattern Expr15276

• Pattern: We examined the expression and localization of endogenous NEKL-4 by using CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer nekl-4::mneongreen and nekl-4::mscarlet strains. These CRISPR-generated reporters use the nekl-4 locus as well as a short flexible linker, and have significantly dimmer fluorescence than the extrachromosomal nekl-4p::nekl-4::gfp array [Expr15275]. With both extrachromosomal and CRISPR reporters, NEKL-4 was observed in the same neurons and similar subcellular locations.
• Primary Identifier: Expr15276
• Subcellular Localization: With the CRISPR-generated nekl-4::mneongreen reporter, we were able to resolve fine structures in the cell bodies and dendrites. In the amphid cell bodies, NEKL-4::mNG appeared as thin filaments. A similar pattern was seen in the outer labial (OL), inner labial (IL), and cephalic (CEP) cell bodies, though the filaments appeared to be thicker and brighter. The CRISPR-generated NEKL-4::mNG reporter also localized in discrete, discontinuous patches in the dendrites. This pattern continued to the distal dendrite, terminating before entering the cilium of any neurons. The intricate localization pattern and movement of NEKL-4::mNG suggests association with organelles or cytoskeletal components. Because a nekl-4::gfp reporter was previously reported to localize in phasmid cilia, we examined colocalization of NEKL-4::mScarlet with CHE-13/IFT57, an IFT-B component, and NPHP-1, a transition zone protein, to confirm NEKL-4 exclusion from the cilium. NEKL- 4::mSC did not show significant overlap with NPHP-1::CFP or CHE-13::YFP, and was mainly restricted to the distal dendrite and periciliary membrane compartment (PCMC).

4 Anatomy Terms

Definition	Name	Synonym	Primary Identifier
Neuron class of one sensory neuron, basal body, not part of a sensillum, projects into preanal gangion.	PQR	lineage name: QL.ap	WBbt:0004096
neuron of phasmid sensillum	phasmid neuron		WBbt:0006753
neuron of the amphid sensillum	amphid neuron	amphid sensory neuron	WBbt:0005394
neuron type, neurons that have ciliated nerve endings.	ciliated neuron		WBbt:0006816

1 Genes

WormBase Gene ID	Gene Name	Sequence Name	Organism
WBGene00017033	nekl-4	D1044.8	Caenorhabditis elegans

0 Life Stages