Nematode cuticles are primarily composed of collagen-like proteins. The cuticle serves as both an exoskeleton and a protective barrier against the surrounding environment. It plays a critical role in regulating body length and shape in a dose-dependent manner.
Gene References Into Functions
A cuticle collagen encoded by the lon-3 gene may be a target of TGF-beta signaling in determining body shape. PMID: 12524338