Fusogenic activity of EFF-1 is regulated via dynamic localization in fusing somatic cells of C. elegans.

Background: Many animal tissues form via fusion of cells. Yet in all instances of developmental cell fusion, the mechanism underlying fusion of plasma membranes remains poorly understood. EFF-1 is required for most somatic cell fusions in C.

The type I membrane protein EFF-1 is essential for developmental cell fusion.

Multinucleate cells are widespread in nature, yet the mechanism by which cells fuse their plasma membranes is poorly understood. To identify animal fusogens, we performed new screens for mutations that abolish cell fusion within tissues of C. elegans throughout development.