title: Analysis of cell migration using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system.
abstract: The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent model system in which to study long-distance cell migration in vivo. This chapter describes methods used to study a subset of migratory cells in the hermaphrodite nematode, the distal tip cells. These methods take advantage of the organism's transparent body and the expression of green fluorescent protein to observe cell migration and behavior. Additionally, the availability of nematode mutants and gene knockdown techniques that affect cell migration allow the analysis and comparison of wild-type and aberrant migratory paths. Methods for nematode growth and maintenance, strain acquisition, observation and live imaging, gene knockdown, and analysis of cell migration defects are covered.
authors: Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
authors: Ming-Ching
authors: MC
authors: Wong
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Martynovsky
authors: Jean E
authors: JE
authors: Schwarzbauer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000166:cytology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D054443:Cell Migration Assays / Q000379:methods*; D002465:Cell Movement; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007814:Larva / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D008853:Microscopy; D010641:Phenotype; D034622:RNA Interference; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins