Why C. elegans can be used as a Model Organism in Biomedical Research

Highly Conserved Genes Exist Between C. elegans and Vertebrates

Around 40% of C.elegans genes have homologs with human genes.

This allows C. elegans to be used as a useful organism in studying the molecular mechanisms and modes of actions of biological pathways and directly relate these to humans.

For example almost all human protein domains are also found in C .elegans and this allows vertebrate protein domain studies to be carried out on C. elegans and then directly related to human's biological mechanisms. 

Below is a list of notable biological components that relate to the nervous system and are conserved between C .elegans and vertebrates:

•    Neurotransmitter receptors
•    Neurotransmitter synthesis
•    Neurotransmitter secretory pathways
•    G protein coupled secondary messenger pathways

Independent Origins in C .elegans and Vertebrates

Some biological components seem not to be conserved between vertebrates and C. elegans however.

Below is a list of notable biological components that relate to the nervous system that have originated independently between C. elegans and vertebrates:

•    Gap junctions
•    Chemosensory receptors
•    Voltage-gated sodium channels

List of Behavioural Responses That C.elegans Display

•    C. elegans can move away or toward chemicals, temperatures, odorants and food sources.

•    C. elegans can determine the presence and sex of nearby nematodes via diffusible chemical signals detection.

These behavioural responses can be studied and applied to biomedical research. For example research into nicotine addiction.

C. elegans in Biomedical Research 

Studies of the Autophagy Pathway in C. elegans.

• Research into the C. elegans autography pathway has provided further genetic insight into the molecular machinery that protects animals against diseases caused by mutant aggregate-prone proteins.

•   The autophagy pathway has been shown to be of importance in the clearance of mutant aggregate-prone proteins associated with diseases such as chronic human neurodegenerative diseases, muscle diseases and liver diseases

To read more follow the link:www.wormbook.org/chapters/www_autophagy/autophagy.html

   C. elegans and Volatile Anaesthetics

• The genetics behind the molecular mechanisms that cause a change in behaviour in C. elegans under the influence of volatile anaesthetics has been identified and this has increased the understanding of the mechanism of action of volatile anaesthetics in vertebrates.

To read more follow the link: wormbook.sanger.ac.uk/chapters/www_anesthetics/anesthetics.html