PARTICIPATION OF THE PROTEIN G(O) IN MULTIPLE ASPECTS OF BEHAVIOR IN C-ELEGANS

The goa-1 gene encoding the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric guanos ine triphosphate-binding protein (G protein) G(o) from Caenorhabditis elegans is expressed in most neurons, and in the muscles involved in e gg laying and male mating, Reduction-of-function mutations in goa-1 ca used a variety of behavioral defects including hyperactive movement, p remature egg laying, and male impotence, Expression of the activated G (o) alpha subunit (G alpha(o)) in transgenic nematodes resulted in let hargic movement, delayed egg laying, and reduced mating efficiency, In duced expression of activated G alpha(o) in adults was sufficient to c ause these phenotypes, indicating that G alpha(o) mediates behavior th rough its role in neuronal function and the functioning of specialized muscles.