Function of the C. elegans T-box factor TBX-2 depends on interaction with the UNC-37/Groucho corepressor.

T-box transcription factors are important regulators of development in all animals, and altered expression of T-box factors has been identified in an increasing number of diseases and cancers. Despite these important roles, the mechanism of T-box factor activity is not well understood. We have previously shown that the Caenorhabditis elegans Tbx2 subfamily member TBX-2 functions as a transcriptional repressor to specify ABa-derived pharyngeal muscle, and that this function depends on SUMOylation.

Function of the C. elegans T-box factor TBX-2 depends on SUMOylation.

T-box transcription factors are critical developmental regulators in all multi-cellular organisms, and altered T-box factor activity is associated with a variety of human congenital diseases and cancers. Despite the biological significance of T-box factors, their mechanism of action is not well understood. Here we examine whether SUMOylation affects the function of the C.

The T-box factor TBX-2 and the SUMO conjugating enzyme UBC-9 are required for ABa-derived pharyngeal muscle in C. elegans.

The C. elegans pharynx is produced from the embryonic blastomeres ABa and MS. Pharyngeal fate in the ABa lineage is specified by the combined activities of GLP-1/Notch-mediated signals and the TBX-37 and TBX-38 T-box transcription factors.