Collagen alpha-2(IV) chain; Collagen type IV is specific for basement membranes (Probable). Together with fbl-1 and downstream of metalloprotease mig- 17, recruits nidogen nid-1 to the gonad basement membrane thereby probably inducing basement membrane remodeling required for the directional migration of distal tip cells. Required to restrict presynaptic growth at the neuromuscular junctions in late larval stage and in adult motor neurons. Vital for embryonic development.

Metalloprotease mig-17; Metalloprotease. Acts in the basement membrane to control directional migration of distal tip cells (DTCs) along the body wall basement membranes, a key step that promotes gonad morphogenesis. Regulates DTC migration probably by recruiting fibulin fbl-1, type IV collagen let-2 and nidogen nid-1 to the gonad basement membrane thereby promoting the remodeling of the basement membrane. During larval development and probably upstream of basement membrane proteins fbl-1, let-2 and nid-1, regulates pharynx length, probably by regulating pharyngeal cell length. Does no [...]

Fibulin-1; Incorporated into fibronectin-containing matrix fibers. Plays a role in cell adhesion and migration along protein fibers within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Important for certain developmental processes and contributes to the supramolecular organization of ECM architecture, in particular to those of basement membranes. [Isoform c]: Involved in the assembly of the flexible hemicentin-containing tracks found joining the pharynx and body-wall- muscle basement membranes; Belongs to the fibulin family.

EGF-like domain-containing protein.

Integrin alpha pat-2; Required for muscle development probably through the regulation of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton. Component of an integrin containing attachment complex, which is required for muscle maintenance. During the formation of neuromuscular junctions at the larval stage, negatively regulates membrane protrusion from body wall muscles, probably through lamins such as epi-1, lam-2 and unc-52. Required for distal tip cell migration and dorsal pathfinding. Required for egg-laying. May play a role in cell motility and cell-cell interactions (By similarity). Plays a role in vu [...]

Integrin alpha ina-1; Plays a role in cell migration, axon fasciculation, and morphogenesis. During gonad morphogenesis, involved in distal tip cells (DTC)-mediated guidance of gonad elongation, in maintaining their sharp tapering morphology and in their migration. Involved in the anterior-posterior positioning of QR neuroblast descendants by regulating the migratory speed of QR.p. Probably by acting as a receptor for apoptotic cells, plays a role in the clearance of apoptotic cells during mid-embryogenesis. Belongs to the integrin alpha chain family.

CaLponIn-liKe proteins.

SPARC; Has a high affinity for collagen. Affects nematode body morphology and mobility. Essential for C.elegans development and muscle function. The cysteine-rich region could have protease inhibitory activity or may provide the framework for a protein binding module. Probable role in skeletal morphogenesis; Belongs to the SPARC family.

Basement membrane proteoglycan; Component of an integrin containing attachment complex, which is required for muscle development and maintenance. Probable structural role in myofilament assembly and/or attachment of the myofilament lattice to the cell membrane. May be an extracellular anchor for integrin receptors in body wall muscles and myoepithelial sheath cells. During the formation of neuromuscular junctions at the larval stage, negatively regulates membrane protrusion from body wall muscles, probably downstream of the integrin complex formed by pat-2 and pat-3. Involved in ovulation.