isolation-characterization-natural-microbiota-model-nematode

Isolation and Characterization of the Natural Microbiota of the Model Nematode <em>Caenorhabditis elegans</em>

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans interacts with a large diversity of microorganisms in nature. In general, C. elegans is commonly found in rotten plant ...

University of Kiel

Functional information about the large majority of the genes is still lacking in the classical eukaryotic model species Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Mus musculus. Because many of these genes are likely to be important in natural settings, considering explicit ecological information should increase our knowledge of gene function. Using C. elegans as an example, we discuss the importance of biotic factors as a driving force in shaping the composition and structure of the nematode genome. We highlight examples for which consideration of ecological information and natural variation have been key to the identification of novel, unexpected gene functions, and use these examples to define future research avenues for the classical genetic model taxa. 

Why we need more ecology for genetic models such as C. elegans.

How do very small animals with limited long-distance dispersal abilities move between locations, especially if they prefer ephemeral micro-habitats that are only available for short periods of time? The free-living model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and several congeneric taxa appear to be common in such short-lived environments, for example decomposing fruits or other rotting plant material. Dispersal is usually assumed to depend on animal vectors, yet all current data is based on only a limited number of studies. In our project we performed three comprehensive field surveys on possible invertebrate vectors in North German locations containing populations of C. elegans and two related species, especially C. remanei, and combined these screens with an experimental analysis of persistence in one of the vector taxa.

Travelling at a slug's pace: possible invertebrate vectors of Caenorhabditis nematodes.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively used to explore the relationships between complex traits, genotypes, and environments. Complex traits can vary across different genotypes of a species, and the genetic regulators of trait variation can be mapped on the genome using quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from genetically and phenotypically divergent parents. Most RILs have been derived from crossing two parents from globally distant locations. However, the genetic diversity between local C. elegans populations can be as diverse as between global populations and could thus provide means of identifying genetic variation associated with complex traits relevant on a broader scale.

Article	Year
Why we need more ecology for genetic models such as C. elegans. Trends in genetics : TIG\| PubMed ID: 25577479	2015
Travelling at a slug's pace: possible invertebrate vectors of Caenorhabditis nematodes. BMC ecology\| PubMed ID: 26170141	2015
A multi-parent recombinant inbred line population of C. elegans allows identification of novel QTLs for complex life history traits. BMC biology\| PubMed ID: 30866929	2019

Carola Petersen

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