Anoxia-Induced Suspended Animation in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Some of the most complex biological processes were first elucidated in somewhat “simple” genetic model organisms. For example, where would we be in our molecular and cellular understanding of gene expression, cell division, embryo development and cell death if it were not for research using E. coli, Yeast, Drosophila and C. elegans? Due to the pioneering work by Sydney Brenner and others, the soil nematode C. elegans is now a well-known genetic and developmental model system (Brenner, 1974). Genetic approaches have contributed significantly to our advanced understanding of the mechanisms regulating gene function, organ development, microRNA function and signaling pathways regulating aging and stress (WormBook). The molecular advances and development of genetic tools such as RNA interference (RNAi) and protein expression analysis with the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) were initially worked out in C. elegans and thus firmly established this organism as a cornerstone of genetic models for unraveling the molecular mechanisms of many biological processes (Chalfie and Kain, 2006; Fraser et al., 2000; Jorgensen and Mango, 2002; Timmons and Fire, 1998). Research from many labs have clearly demonstrated that this small soil nematode has contributed significantly to our understanding of biology and that multiple types of molecular tools exist to elucidate mechanistic details. Further examples of the significant impact C. elegans has had in our understanding of biology are the fairly recent Noble Prize awards to six individuals (S. Brenner, M. Chalfie, A. Fire, R. Horvitz, C. Mello, J. Sulston) who made paradigm shifting discoveries using C. elegans. Through the effort of many within the C. elegans community, the molecular tools and genetic resources available in this model system have helped to address and elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating multiple biological processes.