THE C-ELEGANS UNC-18 GENE ENCODES A PROTEIN EXPRESSED IN MOTOR-NEURONS

The C. elegans unc-18 gene is required to maintain normal acetylcholin e levels. We determined the complete structure of an unc-18 cDNA that encodes a protein of 591 highly charged and hydrophilic amino acids. T he protein shows sequence similarity with elements of the secretory pa thway in the yeast S. cerevisiae. Antibodies raised against a portion of the unc-18-encoded protein (UNC-18) detected a 68 kd soluble antige n on immunoblots and intensely stained all ventral cord motor neurons in situ. These findings suggest that UNC-18 participates in the axonal transport system and influences the acetylcholine flow in motor neuro ns.