RNA interference in nematodes and the chance that favored Sydney Brenner.

The efficiency of RNA interference varies between different organisms, even among nematodes. A recent report of successful RNA interference in the nematode Panagrolaimus superbus in BMC Molecular Biology has implications for the comparative study of the functional genomics of nematode species, and prompts reflections on the choice of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism.

Oscheius tipulae, a widespread hermaphroditic soil nematode, displays a higher genetic diversity and geographical structure than Caenorhabditis elegans.

The nematode Oscheius tipulae belongs to the same family (Rhabditidae) as the model species Caenorhabditis elegans. Both species reproduce through self-fertilizing hermaphrodites and facultative males. Recent studies have shown that the self-fertile C.

Natural variation and population genetics of Caenorhabditis elegans.

C. elegans presents a low level of molecular diversity, which may be explained by its selfing mode of reproduction. Recent work on the genetic structure of natural populations of C.

Mechanisms and evolution of environmental responses in Caenorhabditis elegans.

We review mechanistic and evolutionary aspects of interactions between the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and its environment. In particular, we focus on environmental effects affecting developmental mechanisms. We describe natural and laboratory environments of C.

Temporal dynamics and linkage disequilibrium in natural Caenorhabditis elegans populations.

Caenorhabditis elegans is a major laboratory model system yet a newcomer to the field of population genetics, and relatively little is known of its biology in the wild. Recent studies of natural populations at a single time point revealed strong spatial population structure and suggested that these populations may be very dynamic. We have therefore studied several natural C.

Robustness and evolution: concepts, insights and challenges from a developmental model system.

Robustness, the persistence of an organismal trait under perturbations, is a ubiquitous property of complex living systems. We here discuss key concepts related to robustness with examples from vulva development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We emphasize the need to be clear about the perturbations a trait is (or is not) robust to.