Elucidation of Novel Delayed Hatching Phenotype Observed in Caenorhabditis Elegans
Open Access
- Author:
- Idowu, Teniola
- Millennium Scholars Program:
- Microbiology (MICRB)
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisor:
- Wendy Hanna-Rose, Thesis Supervisor
- Keywords:
- NAD+
C. elegans
Delayed hatching - Abstract:
- The connection between genetics and environmental conditions has become increasingly relevant to understanding disease conditions. Both genetics and environment can affect longevity and lifespan by decreasing the metabolic rate of an organism. C. elegans containing a knock-out mutation in the nmrk-1 gene do not synthesize an enzyme known as nicotinamide riboside kinase, which is involved in the synthesis of NAD+. NAD+ is an important chemical reaction cofactor and metabolic signaling molecule. Importantly, higher levels of NAD+ have been linked to cell longevity and decreased aging. A combination of this genetic mutation and and environmental stressor results in a novel delayed hatching phenotype exhibited in eggs laid by nmrk-1 mutants. In our case, the environmental stressor is UV-killed food, which the worms are raised on. In an effort to characterize and understand more about this phenotype, I worked to determine factors that can affect its strength. I was able to determine that the developmental stage at which nmrk-1 mutants are exposed to UV-killed food increases the length of the delay. Also, using RNAi knockdowns I was able to investigate the role of the hexosamine pathway in the progression of this phenotype. These findings help to explore the connection of genetics and the environment, and to further understanding the role of NAD+ in C. elegans development.