Description of "M142.1" |
unc-119 encodes a novel protein that is highly conserved amongst metazoans; unc-119 activity is required for proper development of the nervous system, including axonal branching and fasciculation, and hence, for normal movement, chemosensation, and feeding; unc-119 is expressed pan-neuronally beginning in the early embryo (~60 cells) and continuing through adulthood; although the molecular function of UNC-119 is not yet known, human UNC119, which can rescue C. elegans unc-119 mutant animals, is reported to function as a receptor-associated activator of signal transduction; thus, UNC-119 may be part of a signal transduction pathway that mediates axonal patterning in response to external developmental cues. |