Physical Characterization of Caenorhabditis Elegans MIG-10 Mutants

Our laboratory studies cell signaling events related to cell migration, including neuronal axon outgrowth processes. We have selected the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as a model organism. This roundworm has been extensively genetically manipulated to establish relationships between signaling proteins and resulting whole animal phenotypes. We are particularly interested in C. elegans migration-10 (Mig-10) strains due to Mig-10’s involvement in proper development and placement of the worm excretory canal and vulva. Because Mig-10 is implicated in worm distal region development, we hypothesize Mig-10 strains will differ most profoundly from wild type in their locomotion and movement patterns. Therefore, as a baseline for future research, we have quantitatively monitored the physical characteristics of C. elegans Mig-10 versus wild type strains. For example, wild type C. elegans worms move continuously in a forward motion; whereas Mig-10 mutant strains tend toward a back and forth movement resulting in inefficient forward progress. We performed and quantified thrashing, forward and locomotion tests for Mig-10 and wild type worm strains. Progress towards this complete quantitative physical characterization of Mig-10 mutants is reported. In addition, we have unsuccessfully attempted total RNA isolation from wild type C. elegans worms. This project is supported by grant number: R25 GM048998-13.