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Many transcription factors contribute to C. elegans growth and fat storage
Author(s) -
Mori Akihiro,
Holdorf Amy D.,
Walhout Albertha J.M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
genes to cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1365-2443
pISSN - 1356-9597
DOI - 10.1111/gtc.12516
Subject(s) - biology , caenorhabditis elegans , gene knockdown , phenotype , rna interference , transcription factor , gene , computational biology , genetic screen , model organism , genetics , phenotypic trait , microbiology and biotechnology , rna
Reverse genetic screens by RNA interference ( RNA i) in model organisms such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have provided numerous insights into gene function, thereby connecting genotype to phenotype. However, genes that contribute only subtly are often missed because relatively large numbers of measurements and reliable quantification are required to overcome experimental and biological noise that may mask subtle phenotypic effects. Here, we address this challenge by focusing on two phenotypes in C. elegans : growth and fat storage. We carried out comprehensive RNA i knockdown of transcription factors ( TF s), as these are known important regulators of biological processes during development and the maintenance of homeostasis. Microscopy images of TF knockdown animals stained with Oil Red O ( ORO ) were captured, and body size (proxy for growth) and ORO staining intensity (proxy for fat storage) were precisely quantified using a newly developed imaging tool we named IPPOME (Image Processing for Precise and Objective ME asurement). We found that a surprisingly large proportion of TF s contribute to growth and fat storage, but that most TF s have only subtle, yet significant effects. This study provides a blueprint for studies of other genes and phenotypes in C. elegans .