Project publications

• A high- throughput method for the analysis of larval developmental phenotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans.
• Olmedo M^§, M Geibel, M Artal-Sanz and M Merrow^§ (§ Corresponding authors).
• Genetics, 2015 201: 443-448

The nematode C. elegans progresses through four larval stages with clock-like precision. The four molts coincide with lethargus, a sleep like state. Genetic dissection of the temporal program underlying these processes would potentially reveal insights into fundamental mechanisms concerning development and sleep.  We developed an automated, high-throughput method that capitalizes on the cessation of feeding that is part of development in the nematode. Constitutive reporter gene (Luciferase) expression shows rhythmicity as its substrate (Luciferin) is ingested with feeding, accurately reporting the transition between larval stages.