Modeling molecular and cellular aspects of human disease using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: As an experimental system, Caenorhabditis elegans offers a unique opportunity to interrogate in vivo the genetic and molecular functions of human disease-related genes. For example, C. elegans has provided crucial insights into fundamental biologic processes, such as cell death and cell fate determinations, as well as pathologic processes such as neurodegeneration and microbial susceptibility. The C. elegans model has several distinct advantages, including a completely sequenced genome that shares extensive homology with that of mammals, ease of cultivation and storage, a relatively short lifespan and techniques for generating null and transgenic animals. However, the ability to conduct unbiased forward and reverse genetic screens in C. elegans remains one of the most powerful experimental

SUBMITTER: Silverman GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2731241 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature