Expr16551

Consistent with previous reports (Keeley et al., 2020), we noted strong CLE-1::mNG expression around the terminal bulb of the pharynx. We also observed significant CLE-1::mNG fluorescence near the dorsal and ventral nerve cords, similar to previous findings using anti-CLE-1 antibodies (Ackley et al., 2001; Ackley et al., 2003). Intriguingly, we noted CLE-1::mNG fluorescent signal in close proximity to dendritic spines of the DD1 GABAergic motor neuron. In particular, we found that fluorescent signals associated with CLE-1 and spines were colocalized within a single 0.3 μm optical slice, providing support for close proximity of CLE-1 to dendritic spines. In summary, our data show that the ECM molecule collagen XVIII/CLE-1 is expressed in close proximity to dendritic spines of GABAergic motor neurons. CLE-1::NG labeling is in close proximity to DD1 dendritic spines, within the ventral nerve cord. Additional CLE-1::NG expression is also observed near the dorsal nerve cord (DNC), and surrounding the pharyngeal bulb.