Developmental expression pattern screen for genes predicted in the C. elegans genome sequencing project

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Genome sequencing projects generate vast amounts of data.
• Understanding gene function requires analyzing their expression patterns.
• Caenorhabditis elegans is a model organism for genetic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a genome sequence-based expression pattern screen.
• To analyze the expression of predicted genes from the Caenorhabditis elegans genome.
• To make expression pattern information widely accessible.

Main Methods:

• Utilized beta-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter gene fusions.
• Constructed fusions using predicted Caenorhabditis elegans gene promoter regions.
• Analyzed expression patterns in transformed C. elegans lines.

Main Results:

• 67% of predicted genes in analyzed cosmids were amenable to the screening approach.
• 54% of examined genes yielded a detectable developmental expression pattern.
• Expression data is being compiled into computer databases.

Conclusions:

• A genome sequence-based approach is effective for analyzing gene expression.
• This method successfully identified developmental expression patterns for a significant portion of predicted genes.
• The generated expression data will contribute to functional genomics in C. elegans.