RUI: Function of C. elegans Tailless in Uterus Development

Muhlenberg学院的怀特曼实验室正在研究在动物发育过程中基因指导器官形成的机制。一种名为无尾的基因在指导微小线虫秀丽线虫的子宫形成过程中发挥着重要作用。该实验室使用分子、生化和遗传策略来了解这个基因是如何被其他基因控制的，以及它是如何控制其他基因的。其结果是更好地理解了分子途径--一系列特定的步骤--允许细胞在发育过程中相互沟通，创造有组织的组织和器官。无尾基因也存在于脊椎动物中，包括人类，它在大脑干细胞的发育中发挥作用。因此，了解线虫无尾基因是如何工作的，有助于阐明其他动物的相同途径。怀特曼实验室由两名专业科学家和六到十二名本科生组成。因此，这项工作的一个重大影响就是推进教育。通过参与科学研究来学习科学的学生学到了更多的东西，并为从事科学和临床职业做好了充分的准备。

The Wightman laboratory at Muhlenberg College is studying the mechanisms by which genes direct the formation of organs during animal development. One gene, called tailless plays an important role in directing how the uterus of the microscopic nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans forms. The lab uses molecular, biochemical and genetic strategies to learn how this gene is controlled by other genes and how it, in turn, controls still other genes. The outcome is a better understanding of the molecular pathway - the series of specific steps - that allows cells to communicate with each other during development to create organized tissues and organs. The tailless gene also exists in vertebrates, including humans, where it functions in the development of stems cells in the brain. Therefore, an understanding of how the nematode tailless gene works helps illuminate the equivalent pathways in other animals. The Wightman laboratory consists of two professional scientists and six to twelve undergraduate students. Therefore, a major impact of this work is to advance education. Students who learn science by participating in scientific research learn more and are well-prepared for careers in science and the clinical professions.