RRC ID 46303
著者 Cox-Paulson EA, Grana TM, Harris MA, Batzli JM.
タイトル Studying human disease genes in Caenorhabditis elegans: a molecular genetics laboratory project.
ジャーナル CBE Life Sci Educ
Abstract Scientists routinely integrate information from various channels to explore topics under study. We designed a 4-wk undergraduate laboratory module that used a multifaceted approach to study a question in molecular genetics. Specifically, students investigated whether Caenorhabditis elegans can be a useful model system for studying genes associated with human disease. In a large-enrollment, sophomore-level laboratory course, groups of three to four students were assigned a gene associated with either breast cancer (brc-1), Wilson disease (cua-1), ovarian dysgenesis (fshr-1), or colon cancer (mlh-1). Students compared observable phenotypes of wild-type C. elegans and C. elegans with a homozygous deletion in the assigned gene. They confirmed the genetic deletion with nested polymerase chain reaction and performed a bioinformatics analysis to predict how the deletion would affect the encoded mRNA and protein. Students also performed RNA interference (RNAi) against their assigned gene and evaluated whether RNAi caused a phenotype similar to that of the genetic deletion. As a capstone activity, students prepared scientific posters in which they presented their data, evaluated whether C. elegans was a useful model system for studying their assigned genes, and proposed future directions. Assessment showed gains in understanding genotype versus phenotype, RNAi, common bioinformatics tools, and the utility of model organisms.
巻・号 11(2)
ページ 165-79
公開日 2012-7-1
DOI 10.1187/cbe-11-06-0045
PII 11/2/165
PMID 22665589
PMC PMC3366902
MeSH Animals Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics* Comprehension Computational Biology Curriculum* Disease / genetics* Educational Measurement Female Gene Deletion Genes, Helminth / genetics* Genotype Humans Knowledge Laboratories* Male Mental Competency Models, Animal Molecular Biology / education* Phenotype Polymerase Chain Reaction RNA Interference Self Report Students
IF 2.241
引用数 9
WOS 分野 EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES
リソース情報
線虫 tm1145 tm678