Mechanisms of TGFß in prostaglandin synthesis and sperm guidance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Background The transparent epidermis of Caenorhabditis elegans makes it an attractive model to study sperm motility and migration within an intact reproductive tract. C elegans synthesize specific F‐series prostaglandins (PGFs) that are important for guiding sperm toward the spermatheca. These PGFs are synthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) precursors, such as arachidonic acid (AA), via a novel pathway, independent of the classical cyclooxygenases (Cox) responsible for most PG synthesis. While the enzyme(s) responsible for PG synthesis has yet to be identified, the DAF‐7 TGFß pathway has been implicated in modulating PG levels and sperm guidance. Results We find that the reduced PGF levels in daf‐1 type I receptor mutants are responsible for the sperm guidance defect. The lower level of PGs in daf‐1 mutants is due in part to the inaccessibility of AA. Finally, lipid analysis and assessment of sperm guidance in daf‐1;daf‐3 double mutants suggest DAF‐3 suppresses PG production and sperm accumulation at the spermatheca. Our data suggest that DAF‐3 functions in the nervous system, and possibly the germline, to affect sperm guidance. Conclusion The C elegans TGFß pathway regulates many pathways to modulate PG metabolism and sperm guidance. These pathways likely function in the nervous system and possibly the germline. Key Findings The reduced PGF level found in the daf‐1 Type I receptor mutants are responsible for the sperm guidance defect. The lower level of PGs in daf‐1 mutants is due in part to the inaccessibility of AA. Lipid analysis and assessment of sperm guidance in daf‐1;daf‐3 double mutants suggest DAF‐3 suppresses PG production and sperm accumulation at the spermatheca. DAF‐3 functions in the nervous system and possibly the germline to affect sperm guidance.