title: C. elegans epigenetic regulation in development and aging.
abstract: The precise developmental map of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell lineage, as well as a complete genome sequence and feasibility of genetic manipulation make this nematode species highly attractive to study the role of epigenetics during development. Genetic dissection of phenotypical traits, such as formation of egg-laying organs or starvation-resistant dauer larvae, has illustrated how chromatin modifiers may regulate specific cell-fate decisions and behavioral programs. Moreover, the transparent body of C. elegans facilitates non-invasive microscopy to study tissue-specific accumulation of heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery. We also review here recent findings on how small RNA molecules contribute to epigenetic control of gene expression that can be propagated for several generations and eventually determine longevity.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: González-Aguilera
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Palladino
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Askjaer
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin
keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans; chromatin organization; longevity; organogenesis; small RNA; transcriptional silencing