Gorjanacz M et al. (2007) FEBS Lett "What can Caenorhabditis elegans tell us about the nuclear envelope?"

Gorjanacz M, Jaedicke A, Mattaj IW

[FEBS Lett, 2007]

The nuclear envelope (NE) of the eukaryotic cell provides an essential barrier that separates the nuclear compartment from the cytoplasm. In addition, the NE is involved in essential functions such as nuclear stability, regulation of gene expression, centrosome separation and nuclear migration and positioning. In metazoa the NE breaks down and re-assembles around the segregated chromatids during each cell division. In this review we discuss the molecular constituents of the Caenorhabditis elegans NE and describe their role in post-mitotic NE re-formation, as well as the usefulness of C. elegans as an in vivo system for analyzing NE dynamics.

Meister P et al. (2013) Curr Opin Genet Dev "Building silent compartments at the nuclear periphery: a recurrent theme."

Meister P, Taddei A

[Curr Opin Genet Dev, 2013]

In eukaryotes, the genetic material is stored in the nucleus, which is enclosed in a double lipid bilayer, the nuclear envelope (NE). It protects the genome from physical stress and separates it from the rest of the cell. On top of this physical function, growing evidence shows that the nuclear periphery contributes to the 3D organization of the genome. In turn, tridimensional organization of chromatin in the nuclear space influences genome expression. Here we review recent findings on the function of this physical barrier in gene repression and latest models on how silent subnuclear compartments at the NE are built in yeast as well as in the nematode C. elegans and mammalian cells; trying to draw parallels between the three systems.

Wilhelmsen K et al. (2006) J Cell Sci "KASH-domain proteins in nuclear migration, anchorage and other processes."

Wilhelmsen K, Truong H, Ketema M, Sonnenberg A

[J Cell Sci, 2006]

The nucleus in eukaryotic cells can move within the cytoplasm, and its position is crucial for many cellular events, including migration and differentiation. Nuclear anchorage and movement can be achieved through association of outer nuclear membrane (ONM) proteins with the three cytoskeletal systems. Two decades ago studies described C. elegans mutants with defects in such events, but only recently has it been shown that the strategies for nuclear positioning are indeed conserved in C. elegans, Drosophila, mammals and potentially all eukaryotes. The integral ONM proteins implicated in these processes thus far all contain a conserved Klarsicht/ANC-1/Syne homology (KASH) domain at their C-terminus that can associate with Sad1p/UNC-84 (SUN)-domain proteins of the inner nuclear membrane within the periplasmic space of the nuclear envelope (NE). The complex thus formed is responsible not only for association with cytoplasmic elements but also for the integrity of the NE itself.

Kuwabara PE (2003) Genes Dev "The multifaceted C. elegans major sperm protein: an ephrin signaling antagonist in oocyte maturation."

Kuwabara PE

[Genes Dev, 2003]

In sexually reproducing animals, the ability to coordinate oocyte maturation and sperm availability has profound effects on reproductive success. In Caenorhabditis elegans, cell-cell signaling is crucial for promoting germline development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. In this issue of Genes & Development, Miller et al. (2003) provide new insights into the role that sperm play in oocyte maturation and ovulation. Even before sperm and oocyte have the opportunity to meet, sperm establish their presence by signaling to oocytes and the somatic gonad. In turn, oocytes respond by resuming meiotic cell cycle progression and preparing for fertilization.