A combined approach exploring gene function based on worm-human orthology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many aspects of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans biology are conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates establishing this particular organism as an excellent genetic model. Because of its small size, large populations and self-fertilization of the hermaphrodite, functional predictions carried out by genetic modifications as well as RNAi screens, can be rapidly tested.

Results

In order to explore the function of a set of C. elegans genes of unknown function, as well as their potential functional roles in the human genome, we performed a phylogenetic analysis to select the most probable worm orthologs. A total of 13 C. elegans genes were subjected to down-regulation via RNAi and characterization of expression profiles using GFP strains. Previously unknown di

SUBMITTER: Tamas I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1112593 | biostudies-literature | 2005 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature