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A Microfluidic Platform for Longitudinal Imaging in Caenorhabditis elegans

A Microfluidic Platform for Longitudinal Imaging in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: May 2, 2018

Larval crowding accelerates C. elegans development and reduces lifespan.

Andreas H Ludewig^1,2, Clotilde Gimond³, Joshua C Judkins²

¹Molecular Prevention Group, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.

|April 11, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Larval population density accelerates C. elegans development and shortens lifespan via excreted molecules. This process involves antagonistic signals, with ascarosides slowing and another signal accelerating development.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Animal Behavior
Chemical Ecology

Background:

Environmental conditions during development impact maturation and lifespan.
C. elegans uses small molecules for inter-organismal signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the impact of larval population density on C. elegans development and lifespan.
Identify the molecular mechanisms mediating density-dependent effects.

Main Methods:

Utilized C. elegans as a model organism.
Measured developmental rate using first egg laying as a marker.
Assessed lifespan under varying population densities.
Investigated the role of ascarosides, fatty acid β-oxidation mutants, and nuclear hormone receptors (DAF-12, NHR-8).

Main Results:

High larval density accelerated development (Pdda) and reduced adult lifespan.
Pdda was enhanced in mutants defective in ascaroside biosynthesis.
Pdda was abolished by synthetic ascarosides and DAF-12 ligands.
A novel chemical signal, mediated by NHR-8, was identified as responsible for developmental acceleration.
Developmental effects persisted into adulthood, independent of adult density.

Conclusions:

C. elegans development is regulated by a push-pull mechanism of antagonistic chemical signals.
Ascarosides slow development, while a density-dependent signal accelerates it.
Inter-organismal signaling during larval stages significantly influences reproductive maturation and longevity.