Implications of BLI-5 and NAS-37 Protein Localization in Caenorhabditis elegan

When mutated, bli-5, a gene whose role in C. elegans molting is not fully characterized, causes fluid-filled blisters to form only in the head of the worm. This study aims to determine the interactions of the BLI-5 protein in the hopes of better understanding both the entire molting process and the restriction of the blistering phenotype to the head of the worm. Previous research indicates that the role of BLI- 5, a protease inhibitor, in molting is found in its inhibition of the collagen-degrading enzyme, NAS-37, which breaks down the old cuticle layer after it is shed. Through this research it was determined that NAS-37 is present in the head of the worm in a location where it could interact with BLI-5 and play a role in the bli-5 mutant phenotype due to increased destabilization of the cuticle, leading to blisters. Since C. elegans shares genetic and morphological similarities to lethal parasitic nematodes, this research could provide a more specific treatment target against these parasites for humans, pets, and livestock