Characterizing the role of C. elegans dsh-2 in asymmetric cell division and embryonic development

In C. elegans, a Dishevelled homolog, dsh-2, is required for asymmetric cell division in the lineage that generates the PHA neuron. Using cell-specific GFP reporters, I have identified additional cells that are either lost or duplicated in deh-2 mutants, indicating that dsh-2 may be required for cell fate specification or the regulation of additional cell divisions. Loss of dsh-2 function also disrupts ventral enclosure, a morphogenetic process in which hypodermal cells migrate over the surface of the embryo and hse on the ventral side. Using hypodermal- and neural-specific promoters to control dsh-2 expression, I have evidence suggesting that dsh-2 fbnction may be required in both cell types during ventral enclosure. Dishevelled is a component of both the Wnt and planar cell polarity (PCP) pathways. I have undertaken a domains analysis of DSH-2 that suggests the domain necessary for PCP is required for both asymmetric cell division and ventral enclosure.