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The C. elegans Project Or Finding Human Genes in a Bag of Worms

The research project for the 2001/2002 Waksman Student Scholars Program focuses on finding similar genes in distantly related organisms. These conserved genes are likely to code for fundamental functions that are essential for survival. Our project is based on the observation that important genes are evolutionarily conserved; that is, genes of similar sequence can be found in non-related organisms. This must mean that the genes code for ancient, fundamental functions which have been conserved. We are seeking to determine if there are human genes similar to those found in the nematode model system Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). that code for functions which are vital to both organisms. C. elegans is an ideal organism to study gene regulation and function for a number of reasons, including:

  • it is a eukaryote;
  • it has a relatively small genome which has been completely sequenced;
  • it has a short life span (2-3 weeks) and it's development has been carefully and completely characterized;
  • it is easy to maintain in the laboratory.
Over the past ten years, scientists have developed novel ways to probe gene functions in cells. One promising new method is known as RNA interference (or RNAi), a process by which double stranded RNA is used to suppress the expression of a specific gene. In C. elegans this can be achieved by feeding bacteria to the worms that are synthesizing a specific double-stranded RNA. This double-stranded RNA will be passed on to the worm's offspring where it may interfere with the function of a homologous C. elegans gene.

In the 2001-2002 WSSP, selected portions of a human cDNA library are systematically introduced into worms using the RNAi technique. If the normal function of the worm is altered as a result of RNAi from a particular human gene, it suggests that the gene is conserved. When such genes are found, they will be sequenced and further characterized.

Comments about content and layout of the page are welcome. Send to: revyakin@waksman.rutgers.edu