Advantages and disadvantages of Caenorhabditis elegans for aging research

Thomas E Johnson

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2003.10.020

Advantages and disadvantages of Caenorhabditis elegans for aging research

Exp Gerontol. 2003 Nov-Dec;38(11-12):1329-32. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2003.10.020.

Author

Thomas E Johnson¹

Affiliation

¹ Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Str., Box 447, Boulder, CO 80309, USA. johnsont@colorado.edu

PMID: 14698813
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2003.10.020

Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been the organism of choice for most aging research, especially genetic approaches to aging. More than 70 longevity genes have been identified, with more to come, and these genes have been the subjects of intense study. I identify the major reasons for this and discuss limitations of this organism for future progress in research on aging.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Aging / genetics*
Animals
Biological Evolution
Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology
Longevity / genetics