2002 West Coast Worm Meeting abstract 75
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Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, 190 Frelinghuysen Road Piscataway, NJ 08854
The main goal of our lab is to understand the molecular mechanisms of fertilization. Initially, we have focused on the characterization of a group spe and fer genes required by sperm for fertilization. Although sterile, worms with these mutations produce morphologically wild-type sperm with normal motility that can come in contact with oocytes. Therefore mutations in these genes disrupt gamete recognition, adhesion, signaling and/or fusion. We have expanded our studies to include gene products required by the oocyte for fertilization. We are using RNAi to test candidate egg cell surface components for possible functions in fertilization. Additionally, we are conducting a genetic screen to identify conditional "egg sterile" mutants. We will report our progress on the genetic, phenotypic and molecular analysis of these genes. This work will lead to a better understanding of the specialized cell-cell interactions that occur at fertilization.