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Developmental Plasticity and Cellular Reprogramming in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Joel Rothman1, Sophie Jarriault2
1Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93111, and.
Genetics
|November 6, 2019
Summary
Cellular plasticity allows cells in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to change fates, challenging the idea of fixed developmental paths. This review explores natural and induced cell fate changes in worms and vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Caenorhabditis elegans was initially viewed as a model for determinate development.
- Recent studies reveal significant cellular plasticity, demonstrating that cell fates are not rigidly fixed.
- Cells in both somatic and germline lineages can alter their fates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms underlying natural and induced cellular plasticity in C. elegans.
- To describe the developmental events that restrict cell differentiation.
- To discuss molecular processes controlling cellular plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on C. elegans development and cell fate.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms, including transcriptional and translational control.
- Comparative discussion with vertebrate cellular plasticity studies.
Main Results:
- Cellular differentiation is progressively restricted during embryogenesis and postembryonic development.
- Multipotency-to-commitment transition (MCT) is a key stage in fate restriction.
- Both genetic and environmental factors, as well as normal developmental processes, can induce cell fate changes.
Conclusions:
- C. elegans exhibits remarkable cellular plasticity, contrary to earlier assumptions of fixed cell fates.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into developmental flexibility.
- Findings in C. elegans have implications for comparative studies in vertebrate systems.
