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Wallwiener M, Taran FA, Rothmund R, Rall K, Kraemer B, Abele H, Schoenfisch B, Brucker SY. Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy versus laparoscopic total hysterectomy – a retrospective study of 2082 cases. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1286403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Kraemer B, Guthrie C, Leverenz J. P1‐150: Tau neurotoxicity and MSUT2. Alzheimers Dement 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2010.05.699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rajab TK, Wauschkuhn CA, Smaxwil L, Kraemer B, Wallwiener M, Wallwiener CW. An Improved Model for the Induction of Experimental Adhesions. J INVEST SURG 2010; 23:35-9. [DOI: 10.3109/08941930903469474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Wallwiener C, Isaacson K, Rajab T, Kraemer B, Wallwiener M. Quantifying Electro Surgery-Induced Thermal Effects and Damage to Human Tissue: An Exploratory Study Using the Fallopian Tube as a Novel In-Vivo In-Situ Model. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2009.08.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Wallwiener M, Rajab T, Kraemer B, Hartkopf A, Wallwiener C. P604 Patients' awareness of post-operative adhesions: results from a multi-centre study and online survey. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(09)62094-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kraemer B, Guengoer E, Solomayer EF, Wallwiener D, Hornung R. Stage I carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland managed with the detection of inguinal and pelvic sentinel lymph node. Gynecol Oncol 2009; 114:373-4. [PMID: 19428095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2009.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Revised: 04/11/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland is rare, consequently standard management is not clear. Although the sentinel concept has gained popularity for other malignancies of the female reproductive tract, the literature lacks reports of this approach for carcinomas of the Bartholin's gland. CASE We present a patient with stage I adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin's gland. She was managed with wide excision and inguinal and laparoscopic pelvic sentinel lymphadenectomy followed by complete pelvic lymphadenectomy. We discuss the rationale for the sentinel concept. CONCLUSION As for other gynaecological malignancies the sentinel lymphadenectomy seems to be an appropriate and feasible surgical approach for early stage carcinomas of the Bartholin's gland.
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Wallwiener C, Kraemer B, Wallwiener M, Rajab T. The Extent of Adhesion Induction through Electrocoagulation in a Rat Model. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2008.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kraemer B, Wallwiener M, Planck C, Wallwiener C, Rajab T. Comparison of Liquid and Solid Adhesion Barriers in a Rat Model. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2008.09.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Jenewein J, Moergeli H, Fauchère JC, Bucher HU, Kraemer B, Wittmann L, Schnyder U, Büchi S. Parents' mental health after the birth of an extremely preterm child: a comparison between bereaved and non-bereaved parents. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2008; 29:53-60. [PMID: 18266165 DOI: 10.1080/01674820701640181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of extremely preterm birth (24-26 weeks of gestation) on the mental health of parents two to six years after delivery, and to examine potential differences in post-traumatic growth between parents whose newborn infant died and those whose child survived. METHOD A total of 54 parents who had lost their newborn and 38 parents whose preterm child survived were assessed by questionnaires with regard to depression and anxiety (HADS) and post-traumatic growth (PTGI). RESULTS Neither group of parents had clinically relevant levels of depression and anxiety. Mothers showed higher levels of anxiety than fathers. Bereaved parents with no other, living child reported higher levels of depression than bereaved parents with one or more children. Mothers reported higher post-traumatic growth compared to fathers. In particular, bereaved mothers experienced the value and quality of their close social relationships more positively compared to the non-bereaved parents. CONCLUSION In the long term, bereaved and non-bereaved parents cope reasonably well with an extremely preterm birth of a child. Post-traumatic growth appears to be positively related to bereavement, particularly in mothers.
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Rajab T, Wallwiener D, Planck H, Kraemer B, Fletcher N. 236: Adhesion Prophylaxis Using a Novel Resorbable Biomembrane Consisting of D,L-Polylactid (Supraseal) - Experimental Results in the Rat Model. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2007.08.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Rajab T, Kraemer B, Wallwiener C, Wallwiener M, Planck H, Wallwiener D, Hubeaux K. 235: Adhesion Prophylaxis After Laparoscopic Myomectomy using a Novel Resorbable Membrane Consisting of D,L-Polylactid (Supraseal). J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2007.08.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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MacMorris M, Kumar M, Lasda E, Larsen A, Kraemer B, Blumenthal T. A novel family of C. elegans snRNPs contains proteins associated with trans-splicing. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2007; 13:511-20. [PMID: 17283210 PMCID: PMC1831854 DOI: 10.1261/rna.426707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2006] [Accepted: 01/02/2007] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In many Caenorhabditis elegans pre-mRNAs, the RNA sequence between the 5' cap and the first 3' splice site is replaced by trans-splicing a short spliced leader (SL) from the Sm snRNP, SL1. C. elegans also utilizes a similar Sm snRNP, SL2, to trans-splice at sites between genes in polycistronic pre-mRNAs from operons. How do SL1 and SL2 snRNPs function in different contexts? Here we show that the SL1 snRNP contains a complex of SL75p and SL21p, which are homologs of novel proteins previously reported in the Ascaris SL snRNP. Interestingly, we show that the SL2 snRNP does not contain these proteins. However, SL75p and SL26p, a paralog of SL21p, are components of another Sm snRNP that contains a novel snRNA species, Sm Y. Knockdown of SL75p is lethal. However, knockdown of either SL21p or SL26p alone leads to cold-sensitive sterility, whereas knockdown of both SL21p and SL26p is lethal. This suggests that these two proteins have overlapping functions even though they are associated with different classes of snRNP. These phenotypic relationships, along with the association of SL26p with SL75p, imply that, like the SL1 RNA/Sm/SL75p/SL21p complex, the Sm Y/Sm/SL75p/SL26p complex is associated with trans-splicing.
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MESH Headings
- Alternative Splicing
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics
- Genes, Helminth
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Operon
- RNA Splicing
- RNA, Helminth/chemistry
- RNA, Helminth/genetics
- RNA, Helminth/metabolism
- RNA, Spliced Leader/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear/chemistry
- Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear/classification
- Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear/genetics
- Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nuclear/metabolism
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Trans-Splicing
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Hepp U, Spindler A, Schnyder U, Kraemer B, Milos G. Post-traumatic stress disorder in women with eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2007; 12:e24-7. [PMID: 17384522 DOI: 10.1007/bf03327778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) in women with eating disorders (ED). METHOD 277 women aged 17 to 50 with a current DSM-IV ED were included. 84 were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), 152 with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 41 with ED not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Structured Clinical Interviews (SCID-I and SCID-II) were performed. RESULTS Sixty-eight participants (24.5%) reported unwanted sexual experiences (USE). Fifty-two participants (18.8%) reported some form of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Four participants (1.4%) met the criteria for PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV). Participants with a history of USE did not differ from those without USE with regard to ED diagnosis, but were diagnosed more often with any Axis I or Axis II disorder. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PTSD in this sample of women with ED was low (1.4%), despite a USE rate of 24.5%.
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Holler E, Krueger B, Rogler G, Brenmoehl J, Dickinson A, Greinix H, Wolff D, Finke J, Hahn J, Kraemer B, Andreesen R. 299: The role of SNPs within receptors of innate immunity in outcome following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2006.12.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kraemer B, Schellenberg GD. Using Caenorhabditis elegans models of neurodegenerative disease to identify neuroprotective strategies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2007; 77:219-46. [PMID: 17178476 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(06)77007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Kraemer B, Solomayer EF, Becker S, Schauf B, Fehm T, Wallwiener D, Kraemer E, Meyberg G. Placenta Percreta with Infiltration of the Pelvic Wall and Urinary Bladder - an Obstetrical Emergency. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-923990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Kraemer B, Mack C, Kraemer E, Huober J, Fehm T, Wallwiener D, Solomayer E. Bone mass in patients with primary breast cancer: Measurements of the calcaneus by ultrasonometry. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Hepp U, Kraemer B, Schnyder U, Miller N, Delsignore A. Psychiatric comorbidity in gender identity disorder. J Psychosom Res 2005; 58:259-61. [PMID: 15865950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2004.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2003] [Accepted: 08/23/2004] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite being recognized as an important prognostic factor for the outcome in gender identity disorder (GID), psychiatric comorbidity has rarely been assessed by means of standardized diagnostic instruments. The aim of this study was to assess current and lifetime psychiatric comorbidity in patients with GID. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of 31 patients who were treated for GID was assessed by the structured clinical interview for Axis I and II (SCID-I/II) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of the patients had no current or lifetime Axis I disorder; 39% fulfilled the criteria for current and 71% for current and/or lifetime Axis I diagnosis. Forty-two percent of the patients were diagnosed with one or more personality disorders. CONCLUSIONS Lifetime psychiatric comorbidity in GID patients is high, and this should be taken into account in the assessment and treatment planning of GID patients.
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Meyberg-Solomayer GC, Kraemer B, Bergmann A, Kraemer E, Krainick U, Wallwiener D, Solomayer EF. Does 3-D sonography bring any advantage to noninvasive breast diagnostics? ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2004; 30:583-589. [PMID: 15183222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2004.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2003] [Revised: 02/23/2004] [Accepted: 03/05/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective trial was to evaluate if 3-D ultrasound (US) brings any advantage to breast diagnostics. A total of 65 women with breast lesions (42 malignant, 23 benign) were examined preoperatively with 2-D and 3-D US. The impact of the use of the 3-D coronal plane for the visualization of the infiltrative zone in comparison to 2-D US was evaluated. Additionally, 3-D surface imaging and volumetry were performed. The coronal plane was of benefit when the infiltrative zone was unclear (6 of 8 cases) or not visible (17 of 39 cases; 43.6%) using 2-D imaging. The surface mode was advantageous for imaging complex structures (e.g., a multinodular fibroadenoma). Volumetry yielded a highly significant correlation between 2-D and 3-D US. 3-D US of breast lesions as adjunct to 2-D sonography can offer a better assessment of the infiltrative zone. Moreover, it enables accurate documentation of data.
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Carlton SM, Zhou S, Kraemer B, Coggeshall RE. A role for peripheral somatostatin receptors in counter-irritation-induced analgesia. Neuroscience 2003; 120:499-508. [PMID: 12890519 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Our hypothesis is that peripheral somatostatin (SRIF) has a role in counter-irritation-induced analgesia. Our paradigm involves the reduction of nociceptive behaviors produced by primary noxious stimuli (formalin or complete Freund's adjuvant [CFA] in the rat hind paw) by a counter-irritating stimulus (capsaicin [CAP] in the tail or muzzle). Activation of peripheral SRIF receptors is key since an SRIF receptor antagonist cyclo-somatostatin (c-SOM) and SRIF antibodies in the hind paw attenuate the counter-irritation-induced analgesia of both formalin and more persistent CFA nociception. Specificity of c-SOM is shown by reversal of its effects with octreotide, a SRIF analog. Injection of formalin in one hind paw and c-SOM in the other does not reduce the counter-irritation analgesia demonstrating local action of the c-SOM. Approximately 33% of peripheral sensory axons contain SRIF, which could release the peptide to activate SRIF receptors on cutaneous axons. Intraplantar naloxone has no effect on the counter-irritation analgesia indicating that SRIF is not activating opioid receptors. These results indicate that in addition to the classic central descending noxious inhibitory control systems that underlie counter-irritation-induced analgesia, there is a peripheral contribution arising from activation of SRIF receptors. Identifying a peripheral contribution of SRIF to mechanisms of counter-irritation analgesia offers opportunities for peripheral therapy.
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Eckmann CR, Kraemer B, Wickens M, Kimble J. GLD-3, a bicaudal-C homolog that inhibits FBF to control germline sex determination in C. elegans. Dev Cell 2002; 3:697-710. [PMID: 12431376 DOI: 10.1016/s1534-5807(02)00322-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The FBF RNA binding proteins control multiple aspects of C. elegans germline development, including sex determination. FBF promotes the oocyte fate at the expense of spermatogenesis by binding a regulatory element in the fem-3 3'UTR and repressing this sex-determining gene. Here we report the discovery of GLD-3, a Bicaudal-C homolog and cytoplasmic protein that physically interacts with FBF. Using RNAi and a gld-3 deletion mutant, we show that GLD-3 promotes the sperm fate, a sex determination effect opposite to that of FBF. By epistasis analysis, GLD-3 acts upstream of FBF, and, in a yeast three-hybrid assay, GLD-3 interferes specifically with FBF binding to the fem-3 3'UTR. We propose that GLD-3 binds FBF and thereby inhibits its repression of target mRNAs.
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Kraemer B, Zhang B, SenGupta D, Fields S, Wickens M. Using the yeast three-hybrid system to detect and analyze RNA-protein interactions. Methods Enzymol 2001; 328:297-321. [PMID: 11075352 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(00)28404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Zhang B, Kraemer B, SenGupta D, Fields S, Wickens M. Yeast three-hybrid system to detect and analyze RNA-protein interactions. Methods Enzymol 2001; 318:399-419. [PMID: 10890002 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(00)18066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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Luitjens C, Gallegos M, Kraemer B, Kimble J, Wickens M. CPEB proteins control two key steps in spermatogenesis in C. elegans. Genes Dev 2000; 14:2596-609. [PMID: 11040214 PMCID: PMC316992 DOI: 10.1101/gad.831700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding (CPEB) proteins bind to and regulate the translation of specific mRNAs. CPEBs from Xenopus, Drosophila, and Spisula participate in oogenesis. In this report, we examine the biological roles of all identifiable CPEB homologs in a single organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. We find four homologs in the C. elegans genome: cbp-1, cpb-2, cpb-3, and fog-1. Surprisingly, two homologs, CPB-1 and FOG-1, have key functions in spermatogenesis and are dispensable for oogenesis. CPB-2 and CPB-3 also appear not to be required for oogenesis. CPB-1 is essential for progression through meiosis: cpb-1(RNAi) spermatocytes fail to undergo the meiotic cell divisions. CPB-1 protein is present in the germ line just prior to overt spermatogenesis; once sperm differentiation begins, CPB-1 disappears. CPB-1 physically interacts with FBF, another RNA-binding protein and 3' UTR regulator. In addition to its role in controlling the sperm/oocyte switch, we find that FBF also appears to be required for spermatogenesis, consistent with its interaction with CPEB. A second CPEB homolog, FOG-1, is required for specification of the sperm fate. The fog-1 gene produces fog-1(L) and fog-1(S) transcripts. The fog-1(L) RNA is enriched in animals making sperm and is predicted to encode a larger protein; fog-1(S) RNA is enriched in animals making oocytes and is predicted to encode a smaller protein. The relative abundance of the two mRNAs is controlled temporally during germ-line development and by the sex determination pathway in a fashion that suggests that the fog-1(L) species encodes the active form. In sum, our results demonstrate that, in C. elegans, two CPEB proteins have distinct functions in the germ line, both in spermatogenesis: FOG-1 specifies the sperm cell fate and CPB-1 executes that decision.
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Kraemer B, Crittenden S, Gallegos M, Moulder G, Barstead R, Kimble J, Wickens M. NANOS-3 and FBF proteins physically interact to control the sperm-oocyte switch in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Biol 1999; 9:1009-18. [PMID: 10508609 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9822(99)80449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Caenorhabditis elegans FBF protein and its Drosophila relative, Pumilio, define a large family of eukaryotic RNA-binding proteins. By binding regulatory elements in the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of their cognate RNAs, FBF and Pumilio have key post-transcriptional roles in early developmental decisions. In C. elegans, FBF is required for repression of fem-3 mRNA to achieve the hermaphrodite switch from spermatogenesis to oogenesis. RESULTS We report here that FBF and NANOS-3 (NOS-3), one of three C. elegans Nanos homologs, interact with each other in both yeast two-hybrid and in vitro assays. We have delineated the portions of each protein required for this interaction. Worms lacking nanos function were derived either by RNA-mediated interference (nos-1 and nos-2) or by use of a deletion mutant (nos-3). The roles of the three nos genes overlap during germ-line development. In certain nos-deficient animals, the hermaphrodite sperm-oocyte switch was defective, leading to the production of excess sperm and no oocytes. In other nos-deficient animals, the entire germ line died during larval development. This germ-line death did not require CED-3, a protease required for apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that NOS-3 participates in the sperm-oocyte switch through its physical interaction with FBF, forming a regulatory complex that controls fem-3 mRNA. NOS-1 and NOS-2 also function in the switch, but do not interact directly with FBF. The three C. elegans nanos genes, like Drosophila nanos, are also critical for germ-line survival. We propose that this may have been the primitive function of nanos genes.
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