UNC-52/perlecan isoform diversity and function in Caenorhabditis elegans

The unc-52 gene encodes the nematode homologue of mammalian perlecan, the m ajor heparan sulphate proteoglycan of the extracellular matrix. This is a l arge complex protein with regions similar to low-density lipoprotein recept ors, laminin and neural cell-adhesion molecules. Three major classes of UNC -52/perlecan isoforms are produced through alternative splicing, and these distinct proteins exhibit complex spatial and temporal expression patterns throughout development. The unc-52 gene plays an essential role in myofilam ent assembly in body-wall muscle during embryonic development.