Embryogenesis and cell migration in nematode worms
Project Description
During development, an embryo must undergo substantial shape changes to shape it from the original spherical or oval egg shape to the body shape that we associate with a fully developed organism. This process is called morphogenesis. Interestingly, by studying the cell movements that result in morphogenesis, we can not only learn about how the embryo develops, but also learn about how other cell migrations occur and are regulated. Similar cell migrations include the healing of wounds, closure of the spinal cord (if defective it results in spina bifida), and metastasis of cancer.
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been studied extensively to understand how the cells of the embryo migrate to change from an oval egg shape into a worm-shaped body. The mechanisms and many of the genetic contributors are well understood. Three major cellular processes must occur for the worm embryo to take its shape. 1)Dorsal intercalation involves two rows of cells combining to form a single row. 2) Ventral enclosure involves skin cells migrating from the dorsal side of the embryo to the ventral side to cover the worm with skin. 3) During elongation, actin fibers that circle around the embryo tighten and squeeze the embryo to make it long, skinny and worm-like.
While these processes have been well describe for C.elegans. Little is known about whether these mechanisms for morphogenesis are species-specific or whether they occur in a wide variety of nematodes. This project would use sophisticated microscopy to examine and describe how morphogenesis is accomplished by other species of nematodes. Some species that we would most likely examine include Caenorhabditis briggsae, Caenorhabditis remanei, Mesorhabditis miotlei, Rhabditella axei, Terarhabditis palmarum, Rhabditis blumi, and Panagrolaimus rigidus. .
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been studied extensively to understand how the cells of the embryo migrate to change from an oval egg shape into a worm-shaped body. The mechanisms and many of the genetic contributors are well understood. Three major cellular processes must occur for the worm embryo to take its shape. 1)Dorsal intercalation involves two rows of cells combining to form a single row. 2) Ventral enclosure involves skin cells migrating from the dorsal side of the embryo to the ventral side to cover the worm with skin. 3) During elongation, actin fibers that circle around the embryo tighten and squeeze the embryo to make it long, skinny and worm-like.
While these processes have been well describe for C.elegans. Little is known about whether these mechanisms for morphogenesis are species-specific or whether they occur in a wide variety of nematodes. This project would use sophisticated microscopy to examine and describe how morphogenesis is accomplished by other species of nematodes. Some species that we would most likely examine include Caenorhabditis briggsae, Caenorhabditis remanei, Mesorhabditis miotlei, Rhabditella axei, Terarhabditis palmarum, Rhabditis blumi, and Panagrolaimus rigidus. .
Background Needed
Basic understanding of transmission genetics, molecular genetics, diversity, and phylogenetic trees (BIOL 107 & 108). Willingness and excitement to use microscopes to study the processes of development. Strong attention to visual details.