A size threshold governs Caenorhabditis elegans developmental progression.

TitleA size threshold governs Caenorhabditis elegans developmental progression.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsUppaluri, S, Brangwynne, CP
JournalProc Biol Sci
Volume282
Issue1813
Pagination20151283
Date Published2015 Aug 22
ISSN1471-2954
KeywordsAnimals, Body Size, Caenorhabditis elegans, Diet, Lab-On-A-Chip Devices, Metamorphosis, Biological
Abstract

<p>The growth of organisms from humans to bacteria is affected by environmental conditions. However, mechanisms governing growth and size control are not well understood, particularly in the context of changes in food availability in developing multicellular organisms. Here, we use a novel microfluidic platform to study the impact of diet on the growth and development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This device allows us to observe individual worms throughout larval development, quantify their growth as well as pinpoint the moulting transitions marking successive developmental stages. Under conditions of low food availability, worms grow very slowly, but do not moult until they have achieved a threshold size. The time spent in larval stages can be extended by over an order of magnitude, in agreement with a simple threshold size model. Thus, a critical worm size appears to trigger developmental progression, and may contribute to prolonged lifespan under dietary restriction.</p>

DOI10.1098/rspb.2015.1283
Alternate JournalProc Biol Sci
PubMed ID26290076
PubMed Central IDPMC4632629
Grant ListDP2 GM105437 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
P40 OD010440 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
1DP2GM105437-01 / DP / NCCDPHP CDC HHS / United States