Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 5
Dissection of Genetic Pathways
in C. elegans
Zheng Wang and David R. Sherwood
Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Abstract
I. Introduction
II. Strategies for Identifying Components in Pathways of Interest
A. Forward Genetic Screens
B. Functional Genomic Approaches to Identify Components of Pathways
C. Using Systems Biology Approaches to Identify Components of Pathways
III. Ordering Genes into Pathways
A. Determining Whether Two Genes Function in the Same Pathway
B. Genetic Ordering of Pathways
C. Properties of Gene Products for Gene Ordering
D. Localization Dependency of Gene Products for Gene Ordering
E. Gene Expression Dependency for Gene Ordering
F. Functional Genomic Approaches for Gene Ordering
IV. Future Outlook
Acknowledgments
References
Abstract
With unique genetic and cell biological strengths, C. elegans has emerged as a
powerful model system for studying many biological processes. These processes are
typically regulated by complex genetic networks consisting of genes. Identifying those
genes and organizing them into genetic pathways are two major steps toward under-
standing the mechanisms that regulate biological events. Forward genetic screens with
various designs are a traditional approach for identifying candidate genes. The com-
pletion of the genome sequencing in C. elegans and the advent of high-throughput
experimental techniques have led to the development of two additional powerful
approaches: functional genomics and systems biology. Genes that are discovered by
these approaches can be ordered into interacting pathways through a variety of
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