Mitchell A (1998) Nature "Behavioural genetics. Worming out social secrets."

Mitchell A

[Nature, 1998]

Some species of the nematode worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) are sociable diners, clumping together to share a meal, yet others are more solitary. Why? According to a report by de Bono and Bargmann, these differences can be explained by a change of just one amino acid in a putative neuropeptide receptor.

Podbilewicz B (2004) Nat Cell Biol "Sweet control of cell migration, cytokinesis and organogenesis."

Podbilewicz B

[Nat Cell Biol, 2004]

Why are proteins glycosylated? On the basis of new studies, I propose two models to clarify the specific functions of glycosylation in worms. The first explains how intra- and inter-cellular trafficking of an N-glycosylated disintegrin-metalloprotease guides somatic gonadal cells through their migratory route, determining the shape of an organ. The second explains how rigid coats of secreted chondroitin proteoglycans bend membranes to drive cytokinesis and epithelial invagination.