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Genetic diversity estimates for the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program screening panel
Anastasia A Teterina1,2, Anna L Coleman-Hulbert1, Stephen A Banse1
1Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
Micropublication Biology
|January 31, 2022
Summary
The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) uses a genetically diverse panel of nematode strains to identify compounds that extend lifespan. This panel shows significant genetic diversity, suggesting findings may translate to conserved biological pathways.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Comparative Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) utilizes a genetically diverse panel of nematode strains to identify compounds with conserved biochemical pathway effects and mammalian translational potential.
- The panel consists of 22 strains from three species (C. elegans, C. briggsae, C. tropicalis), collected globally to maximize inter-population genetic diversity.
- These species are sequential hermaphrodites, simplifying experiments while maintaining intra-population homogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the genetic diversity within the CITP screening panel using publicly available and newly generated whole-genome sequences.
- To validate the assumption that the panel encompasses broad genetic diversity for identifying broadly efficacious interventions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of whole-genome sequences from 22 Caenorhabditis strains across three species.
- Calculation of average genome-wide nucleotide diversity (π) for C. elegans, C. briggsae, and C. tropicalis strains.
- Comparison of observed genetic diversity with estimates from human and mouse populations.
Main Results:
- Genome-wide nucleotide diversity (π) within the panel strains (C. elegans: 1.2e-3, C. briggsae: 7.5e-3, C. tropicalis: 2.6e-3) exceeds that of human populations.
- The genetic diversity within the panel is comparable to that found in mouse populations.
- The analysis supports the CITP's assumption of broad genetic diversity within its screening panel.
Conclusions:
- The CITP screening panel possesses substantial genetic diversity, supporting its use for identifying lifespan-extending compounds with conserved mechanisms.
- Compounds showing efficacy across this diverse panel are likely to act on conserved biological processes.
- The panel's broad genetic diversity makes it a valuable resource for researchers seeking broadly efficacious interventions for various phenotypes.
