Stem cells are unspecialized cells that are able to proliferate to produce more stem cells (mitosis) or differentiate to produce specialized cells. The balance between proliferation and differentiation is controlled by highly regulated signaling pathway(s). The C. elegans germ line is a powerful model that allows genes and pathways that play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining this balance to be identified. The C. elegans gonad contains two gonad arms, where proliferating germline stem cells are located at the distal ends of each arm, while differentiating cells such as sperm and oocyte are located more proximally. The balance between proliferation and differentiation allows this spatial patterning to be maintained in the germline. Recently, our lab has identified the influence of the scaffold protein RACK-1, which is conserved between humans and C. elegans, on the proliferation vs. differentiation pathway. My research is investigating the role of this scaffold protein on maintaining the balance between proliferation and differentiation. A mutation that eliminates
rack-1 results in lowering and mis-localization of the translational repressor protein GLD-1 (Germ Line Defective-1) in the differentiation pathway. Furthermore, loss of
rack-1 results in lower brood size and sterility at higher temperatures. My research seeks to identify the mechanism (either direct or indirect) by which RACK-1 is impacting GLD-1 and furthermore, the differentiation and proliferation decision. My research will provide insight into how stem cell behaviour is regulated in the C. elegans germline.