The Making of a Worm Gut

Interns

Juliana Cervantes - Biological Sciences

Jamie Lopez - Biological Sciences

Katherine Olvera - Biopsychology

Ayleen Ortiz - Biological Sciences

Fatima Suarez - Biopsychology

Project Description

How do simple embryos develop into a complex organism? How do cells “know” to transform into different types of organ systems? Development in the embryo is tightly orchestrated by many interacting genetic factors forming a gene regulatory network (GRN). In the lab, we study the GRN that mediates the development of gut in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In this research project, we will first learn the cell lineage of C. elegans and how different cell types are generated through asymmetric cell division. We will then analyze mutants with defective gut development and deduce the relationships between different genetic factors. This module would be great for students who are interested in developmental biology and genetics.

Project Files