The MADS-Box factor CeMEF2 is not essential for Caenorhabditis elegans myogenesis and development

MEF2 is an evolutionarily conserved MADS (MCM1, Agamous, Deficiens, and ser um response factor) box-type transcription factor that plays a critical rol e in vertebrate and Drosophila melanogaster myogenesis. We have addressed t he developmental role of the single MEF2-like factor, CeMEF2, in Caenorhabd itis elegans. Using expression assays and two mef-2 deletion alleles, we sh ow that CeMEF2 is not required for proper myogenesis or development. Moreov er, a putative null mef-2 allele fails to enhance or suppress the phenotype s of mutants in CeMyoD or CeTwist. Our results suggest that despite its evo lutionary conservation of sequence and DNA binding properties, CeMEF2 has a dopted a divergent role in development in the nematode compared with Drosop hila and vertebrates.