[C.elegansII] u27amb : touch insensitive lethargic. ES2 ME2. OA>30: e1494, e1852, u164amb etc. Cloned: 2 kb and 3 kb transcripts, transpliced to SL1 and SL2, encode protein with Kunitztype serine protease inhibitor domains, EGF-like repeats. mec-9:GFP expressed in touch cells and PVD (3kb promoter) or more extensively (2kb promoter). [Chalfie and Au 1989; Huang and Chalfie 1994; TU]
mec-9 encodes a predicted extracellular protein containing six EGF-like repeats,five Kunitz-type protease inhibitor domains, and a glutamic acid-rich region possibly involved in protein-protein interactions; mec-9 encodes two proteins, only one of which, MEC-9L, appears to be required for normal mechanosensory response to gentle touch and proper functioning of the touch receptor neurons; mec-9 interacts genetically with mec-5, which encodes a unique C. elegans collagen secreted by the hypodermis; MEC-9L is expressed and secreted by the touch receptor neurons.
Predicted to enable calcium ion binding activity and serine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity. Involved in positive regulation of multicellular organismal process and response to mechanical stimulus. Predicted to be located in extracellular region. Expressed in PVDL; PVDR; head neurons; touch receptor neurons; and ventral cord neurons.