Caenorhabditis elegans: An Old Genetic Model Can Learn New Epigenetic Tricks

Gamete cells pass on information to the next generation via DNA sequence and also through epigenetic mechanisms such as small RNAs, DNA methylation, or chromatin modifications. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetic model system that an enormous number of talented researchers have used to understand bi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Integrative and comparative biology 2014-07, Vol.54 (1), p.52-60
Main Authors: Padilla, Pamela A., Garcia, Anastacia M., Ladage, Mary L., Toni, Lee S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - genetics
Aging - physiology
Animals
Caenorhabditis elegans - genetics
Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly - physiology
DNA methylation
Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics
Epigenesis, Genetic - physiology
Epigenetics
Epigenetics: Molecular Mechanisms Through Organismal Influences
Gene expression
Genetics
Inheritance Patterns - genetics
Inheritance Patterns - physiology
Models, Animal
Nematodes
Nuclear Envelope - metabolism
Stress, Physiological - genetics
Stress, Physiological - physiology
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Summary:Gamete cells pass on information to the next generation via DNA sequence and also through epigenetic mechanisms such as small RNAs, DNA methylation, or chromatin modifications. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetic model system that an enormous number of talented researchers have used to understand biological phenomenon and develop molecular tools that have ultimately led to paradigm-shifting ideas in biology. Thus, this model is well poised to further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved with epigenetic modifications and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. The strengths of this model system include a historical wealth of information regarding genetics, development, germline function, chromosome biology, and the regulation of gene expression. Using this system, one can investigate the mechanisms involved with how the germline passes on heritable epigenetic information to subsequent generations. Here, we highlight aspects about the biology of C. elegans that make it amenable to epigenetic studies, highlight some recent findings in the field of epigenetics, and comment on how this system would be beneficial for future biological studies involving epigenetic processes.
ISSN:1540-7063
1557-7023
DOI:10.1093/icb/icu039