Engaging students in a genetics course-based undergraduate research experience utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans in hybrid learning to explore human disease gene variants.

ABSTRACT: Genetic analysis in model systems using bioinformatic approaches provides a rich context for a concrete and conceptual understanding of gene structure and function. With the intent to engage students in research and explore disease biology utilizing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model, we developed a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in a hybrid (online/in-person) learning environment-the gene-editing and evolutionary nematode exploration CURE (GENE-CURE). Using a combination of bioinformatic and molecular genetic tools, students performed structure-function analysis of disease-associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in human orthologs. With the aid of a series of workshop-style research sessions, students worked in teams of two to

SUBMITTER: Forte NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10720527 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature