How the microscopic worm C. elegans won 4 Nobel Prizes

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Context:

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of microRNA (miRNA) and its crucial role in gene regulation.
In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Gary Ruvkun lauded the tiny worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), emphasizing its significant contributions to scientific discovery.

Nobel prizes involving C. elegans:

elegans has been involved in four Nobel Prize-winning research projects, highlighting its significant role in advancing our understanding of biology.
Understanding Cell Death: elegans has contributed to understanding how healthy cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). This research has provided crucial insights into various diseases, including AIDS, strokes, and degenerative diseases, and was recognized with the Nobel Prize in 2002.
Gene Silencing: In 2006, researchers were awarded Nobel Prize for discovering gene silencing using elegans, leading to the development of a new class of therapeutic drugs.
Cellular Imaging Techniques: The 2008 Chemistry Nobel Prize acknowledged scientists who utilized elegans to invent cellular lanterns, which enhance the ability to observe cellular processes.
microRNA: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation.

About C. elegans:

Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living transparent nematode about 1 mm in length that lives in temperate soil
Life cycle: Rapid development, with a life cycle of about 3 days from egg to adulthood.
It is considered a model organism to study animal development and behaviour.

Unique Characteristics of C. elegans:

Simplicity:
- With only 959 cells, scientists find it manageable to study and understand fundamental biological concepts.
- Each cell’s fate has been meticulously mapped, and the transparency of the worms allows for easy observation of developmental stages.
- It completes all its developmental stages in about three days.
Genomic Advances:
- In 1998, C. elegans became the first animal to have its entire genome sequenced, well ahead of other model organisms like fruit flies and mice.
- The worm is inexpensive, easy to store and entirely self-sufficient in reproduction. Female C. elegans have functional sperm that allow them to inseminate themselves.
- Its ease of cultivation and self-sufficiency in reproduction make it an ideal model organism for laboratory studies.

Cooperation Among Scientists:

The success of research involving C. elegans can be attributed to the collaborative spirit among scientists working with this model organism.
Researchers often share resources and findings, which fosters innovation and progress.
The C. elegans research community comes together every other year at the International Worm Convention.