C. elegans genetics

Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Animal health
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
Type of method
  • In vivo
This method makes use of
  • Animal derived cells / tissues / organs
Used species
Caenorhabditis elegans
Targeted organ system or type of research
Neuromuscular system, hypoderm, longevity.

Description

Method keywords
  • invertebrate
  • C. elegans
  • genetic screen
  • pharmacological screen
  • Genetics
  • calcium imaging
Scientific area keywords
  • neuroscience
  • ageing
  • parasitology
Method description

The lab routinely use C. elegans culture as genetic model. We explore the development and the ageing of the neuromuscular system. The methods used regularly in our lab include molecular biology, generation of transgenic animals or mutants, crossings, genetic screen, calcium imaging, fluorescence imaging, comprehensive quantification of the worm locomotion in response to specific cues, survival curves, molecular biology.

Method status
  • Internally validated
  • Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages
  • Many genes for the nervous system development and function are conserved.
  • Genetic of ageing is established in C. elegans or Drosophila.
  • C. elegans genetics is well established, genetic manipulation is quick and easy, and many mutants are available.
  • Culture is simple and lead to isogenic cohorts.
Challenges
  • The brain structure has nothing to do with mamalian systems.
  • C. elegans lifespan is <1 month.
  • C. elegans is an invertebrate, many organs are not conserved.

References, associated documents and other information

Associated documents
Links
Lab website

Contact person

patrick laurent

Organisations

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
ULB Institute for Neuroscience
Belgium