An atonal homolog, lin-32, regulates hypodermal morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans .

The transcription factor contributes to patterning and cell fate determination in specialized epithelial cells in various animals, but its function in hypodermis is unknown. Here, we analyzed the homolog in to clarify whether acts in hypodermal development. The null mutants exhibited bulges and cavities in their head, which were prevented by LIN-32 expression. Fluorescent protein was expressed in hypodermis cells at the embryonic stage by the promoter. These results certify that plays an essential role in the development of a broader range of tissues as hypodermis than initially thought.