Tissue-specific interactions of TNI isoforms with other TN subunits and tropomyosins in C. elegans: the role of the C- and N-terminal extensions.

The aim of this study is to investigate the function of the C-terminal extension of three troponin I isoforms, that are unique to the body wall muscles of Caenorhabditis elegans and to understand the molecular interactions within the TN complex between troponin I with troponin C/T, and tropomyosin. We constructed several expression vectors to generate recombinant proteins of three body wall and one pharyngeal troponin I isoforms in Escherichia coli. Protein overlay assays and Western blot analyses were performed using antibodies.

Tissue expression of four troponin I genes and their molecular interactions with two troponin C isoforms in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Gene duplication is a major genetic event that can produce multiple protein isoforms. Comparative sequence and functional analysis of related gene products can provide insights into protein family evolution. To characterize the Caenorhabditis elegans troponin I family, we analyzed gene structures, tissue expression patterns and RNAi phenotypes of four troponin I isoforms.