Figure 2. VPS-50 Functions in Neurons(A) Fluorescence and Nomarski micrographs of regions of C. elegans transgenic animals expressing VPS-50::GFP (nIs388) using the
vps-50 promoter.
vps-50 was expressed in most, if not all, neurons. Occasional expression was observed in some pharyngeal muscles. VNC, ventral nerve cord. #To enhance visualization,we used
unc-104(
e1265) mutant animals to increase the fluorescence level in cell bodies. Scale bars, 10 μm.(B)
vps-50 functions in neurons to regulate locomotion.
vps-50 was expressed pan-neuronally (Prab-3) and in body-wall muscles (Pmyo-3) to identify its site ofaction. Pan-neuronal expression of
vps-50, or of its murine homolog mVps50, rescued the locomotion defect of
vps-50(
n4022) animals. n = 3 plates for allgenotypes.(C)
vps-50 functions in cholinergic neurons to regulate locomotion on food.
vps-50 was expressed in cholinergic neurons (Punc-17), in GABAergic neurons(Punc-47), and in a subset of sensory neurons (Ptax-2) to identify its site of action. n = 5 plates for the wild-type and
vps-50(
n4022); n = 3 plates for all othergenotypes.(B and C) Significance is defined by comparison to the equivalent state for
vps-50(
n4022) mutants. Means ± SDs.(D) The localization of VPS-50::GFP to synapse-rich areas of the nerve ring depends on UNC-104/KIF1A, a molecular motor that transports synaptic vesicles andtheir associated proteins to synapses. Immunohistochemistry against GFP and synaptobrevin (SNB-1) and DAPI staining are shown. The dotted lines indicate thesynapse-rich nerve ring, and clusters of neuronal cell bodies are marked. Scale bar, 10 μm.