Systematic Analysis of Pleiotropy in C. elegans Early Embryogenesis

Pleiotropy refers to the phenomenon in which a single gene controls several distinct, and seemingly unrelated, phenotypic effects. We use C. elegans early embryogenesis as a model to conduct systematic studies of pleiotropy. We analyze high-throughput RNA interference (RNAi) data from C. elegans and identify “phenotypic signatures”, which are sets of cellular defects indicative of certain biological functions. By matching phenotypic profiles to our identified signatures, we assign genes with complex phenotypic profiles to multiple functional classes. Overall, we observe that pleiotropy occurs extensively among genes involved in early embryogenesis, and a small proportion of these genes are highly pleiotropic. We hypothesize that genes involved in early embryogenesis are organized into partially overlapping functional modules, and that pleiotropic genes represent “connectors” between these modules. In support of this hypothesis, we find that highly pleiotropic genes tend to reside in central positions in protein-protein interaction networks, suggesting that pleiotropic genes act as connecting points between different protein complexes or pathways

Systematic Analysis of Pleiotropy in C. elegans Early Embryogenesis

Pleiotropy refers to the phenomenon in which a single gene controls several distinct, and seemingly unrelated, phenotypic effects. We use C. elegans early embryogenesis as a model to conduct systematic studies of pleiotropy. We analyze high-throughput RNA interference (RNAi) data from C. elegans and identify “phenotypic signatures”, which are sets of cellular defects indicative of certain biological functions. By matching phenotypic profiles to our identified signatures, we assign genes with complex phenotypic profiles to multiple functional classes. Overall, we observe that pleiotropy occurs extensively among genes involved in early embryogenesis, and a small proportion of these genes are highly pleiotropic. We hypothesize that genes involved in early embryogenesis are organized into partially overlapping functional modules, and that pleiotropic genes represent “connectors” between these modules. In support of this hypothesis, we find that highly pleiotropic genes tend to reside in central positions in protein-protein interaction networks, suggesting that pleiotropic genes act as connecting points between different protein complexes or pathways

Do you know this syndrome? Você conhece esta síndrome?

Goldenhar syndrome is a sporadic or inherited genetic syndrome characterized by limbal dermoids, preauricular skin tags and mandibular hypoplasia. Vertebral abnormalities may occur. The incidence of this syndrome ranges from 1 in 5,600 to 1 in >20,000 live births. It consists of abnormalities involving the first and second branchial arches. The etiology of the syndrome is heterogeneous. Diagnosis should be based principally on clinical aspects, which should be associated with the patient's systemic conditions and radiologic findings. Treatment depends on the patient's age and systemic manifestations, with a multidisciplinary approach often being required.<br>A síndrome de Goldenhar é uma síndrome genética esporádica ou hereditária caracterizada por dermóides epibulbares, apêndices auriculares e hipoplasia mandibular. Anormalidades vertebrais podem ocorrer. A sua incidência varia de 1 para 5600 a 20000 nascidos vivos e consiste em anormalidades que envolvem o primeiro e segundo arcos faríngeos. A etiologia da síndrome é heterogênea. O diagnóstico deve ser feito baseado principalmente nos aspectos clínicos e associado tanto com as condições sistêmicas quanto com os achados radiológicos. O tratamento depende da idade e das manifestações sistêmicas geralmente necessitando de acompanhamento multidisciplinar