Caenorhabditis elegans - Nanotechnology

What is Caenorhabditis elegans?

Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living, transparent nematode (roundworm) about 1 mm in length that lives in temperate soil environments. It has been extensively used as a model organism in molecular and developmental biology due to its simplicity, well-mapped genome, and quick life cycle.

Why Use C. elegans in Nanotechnology?

The use of C. elegans in nanotechnology arises from its biological simplicity and the ease with which it can be genetically manipulated. Additionally, its transparent body allows for straightforward observation of biological processes, making it an excellent candidate for studying the interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems.

How Are Nanoparticles Introduced to C. elegans?

Nanoparticles can be introduced into C. elegans through various methods such as feeding, microinjection, or immersion in nanoparticle suspensions. These methods allow researchers to study the uptake, distribution, and effects of nanoparticles within the organism.

What Are the Common Research Areas?

Research involving C. elegans and nanotechnology often focuses on:

Toxicology: Assessing the toxicity of nanomaterials and their impact on biological systems.
Drug Delivery: Investigating the potential of nanoparticles to deliver drugs effectively to specific tissues or cells.
Imaging: Utilizing nanoparticles as contrast agents for improved imaging techniques.
Genetic Studies: Exploring how nanoparticles can affect gene expression and protein function.

What Have Been Some Key Findings?

Studies have shown that certain nanoparticles can be toxic to C. elegans, affecting their growth, reproduction, and lifespan. On the other hand, some nanoparticles have been found to be benign or even beneficial, aiding in drug delivery and enhancing imaging capabilities. For example, gold nanoparticles have been successfully used to deliver RNA interference (RNAi) molecules, demonstrating their potential in gene silencing.

What Are the Ethical Considerations?

While C. elegans is not a vertebrate, ethical considerations still apply when using it in research. It is essential to ensure that experiments are conducted responsibly, with minimal suffering to the organisms. Researchers must also consider the potential environmental impact of releasing nanoparticles into ecosystems.

Future Directions

The future of C. elegans in nanotechnology looks promising, with ongoing research exploring more sophisticated applications such as biosensors for environmental monitoring and advanced therapeutic strategies. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence in analyzing data from C. elegans experiments is also an emerging trend.

Relevant Publications

Growth fitness, virulence, and heat tolerance of Salmonella Typhimurium variants resistant to food preservation methods.

Issue Release: 2024

Reproductive regulation of the mitochondrial stress response in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

Protocol for forward genetic screening to identify novel factors involved in a biological process in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

C. elegans foraging as a model for understanding the neuronal basis of decision-making.

Issue Release: 2024

Jujubae Fructus extract prolongs lifespan and improves stress tolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans dependent on DAF-16/SOD-3.

Issue Release: 2024

Identifying therapeutic compounds for autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) through screening in the nematode C. elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

The C. elegans Myc-family of transcription factors coordinate a dynamic adaptive response to dietary restriction.

Issue Release: 2024

SPP-5 affects larval arrest via insulin signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

Molecular and functional characterization of ILYS-5, a major invertebrate lysozyme of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

Evaluation the role of insulin signaling pathway in reproductive toxicity of dispersed diesel particulate extract under environmental conditions.

Issue Release: 2024

A novel approach to cancer screening using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans-based detection assays.

Issue Release: 2024

Antimicrobial peptide 2K4L inhibits the inflammatory response in macrophages and Caenorhabditis elegans and protects against LPS-induced septic shock in mice.

Issue Release: 2024

Small RNA-mediated genetic switches coordinate ALG-3/4 small RNA pathway function.

Issue Release: 2024

Synergy between nanoplastics and benzo[a]pyrene promotes senescence by aggravating ferroptosis and impairing mitochondria integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

In Vivo Monitoring of Nucleophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

Peroxiredoxin 2 Regulates DAF-16/FOXO Mediated Mitochondrial Remodelling in Response to Exercise that is Disrupted in Ageing.

Issue Release: 2024

Host-microbe interactions rewire metabolism in a C. elegans model of leucine breakdown deficiency.

Issue Release: 2024

Forward genetic screen of the C. elegans million mutation library reveals essential, cell-autonomous contributions of BBSome proteins to dopamine signaling.

Issue Release: 2024

An activity-regulated transcriptional program directly drives synaptogenesis.

Issue Release: 2024

Tools and methods for cell ablation and cell inhibition in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Issue Release: 2024

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