Autonomous screening of C. elegans identifies genes implicated in synaptogenesis

Nat Methods. 2012 Oct;9(10):977-80. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.2141. Epub 2012 Aug 19.

Abstract

Morphometric studies in multicellular organisms are generally performed manually because of the complexity of multidimensional features and lack of appropriate tools for handling these organisms. Here we present an integrated system that identifies and sorts Caenorhabditis elegans mutants with altered subcellular traits in real time without human intervention. We performed self-directed screens 100 times faster than manual screens and identified both genes and phenotypic classes involved in synapse formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics*
  • Gene Expression
  • Mutation
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Synapses / physiology*