Split-GFP lamin as a tool for studying C. elegans LMN-1 dynamics in vivo.

ABSTRACT

We engineered a fluorescent fusion protein of C. elegans lamin, by fusing the eleventh beta strand of GFP to the N-terminus of LMN-1 at the endogenous lmn-1 locus. When co-expressed with GFP1-10, GFP11LMN-1 was observed at the nuclear periphery of a wide variety of somatic cells. Homozygous gfp11lmn-1 animals had normal numbers of viable embryos. However, the gfp11lmn-1 animals had a mild swimming defect. While not completely functional, the GFP11LMN-1 strain is more healthy than other published fluorescent LMN-1 lines, making it a valuable reagent for studying lamins.