Deciphering the function of TIG-2 in C. elegans ageing and locomotion

In this thesis, I demonstrated that TIG-2 (a ligand in the TGF-β family pathway) has effect on the lifespan and influences the age-dependent motor activity decline and functional decline of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in C. elegans. The findings also revealed that TIG-2 affects the movement of C. elegans in early adulthood via two different mechanisms, including presynaptic function at NMJs and mitochondrial function in muscle cells. In summary, the work presented herein provide the first evidence about the function of the TIG-2 ligand in C. elegans, identifying a novel target for future research on ageing and movement control.