Transcription regulatory networks in Caenorhabditis elegans

Gene

Public Gene Name

ceh-18  

Sequence Name

ZC64.3  

WB ID

WBGene00000441  

Description

ceh-18 encodes a POU-class homeodomain transcription factor; CEH-18 is required in hermaphrodites for specific aspects of gonadal sheath cell differentiation, such as normal cell shape and position, that are essential for negative regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation by the sheath cells; in this process, CEH-18 functions in parallel with the VAB-1/Ephrin receptor as part of a sperm-sensing checkpoint mechanism that prevents oocyte maturation, MAPK activation, and ovulation in the absence of sperm; CEH-18 is expressed in the sheath cell nuclei beginning at the L4 larval stage