Roundworm Model Customization Services for Aging Research

The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has a relatively short lifespan of about 2-3 weeks, making it an ideal organism for studying aging processes in a shorter time frame compared to longer-lived organisms like mammals. Additionally, the C. elegans genome possesses homologs of about two-thirds of all human disease genes. Due to its physiological aging characteristics and superiority, the use of C. elegans as a model system for studies of aging, age-related diseases, mechanisms of longevity, and drug screening has been widely accepted in recent decades.

Fig. 1 Major longevity pathways and longevity-associated transcription factors in C. elegans. (Zhang S, et al., 2020)

As a reliable provider of aging research services, CD BioSciences has harnessed the potential of roundworm C. elegans, offering a suite of customization services to tailor roundworm models to the specific needs of our clients' aging research projects. Our services support culture roundworms in large numbers under controlled laboratory conditions, allowing for highly reproducible experiments and statistical analysis.

Why Use Roundworm Models for Aging Research?

The roundworm C. elegans has emerged as a powerful model organism for aging research due to several compelling advantages:

• Short lifespan
• Simple nervous system
• Transparent body
• Genetic similarity
• High reproducibility

Roundworm Model Customization Options for Aging Research

Roundworm species selection

Besides C. elegans, we offer a diverse selection of roundworm species, such as C. briggsae, C. remanei, and C.japonica. Each species has unique characteristics that can provide valuable insights into the aging process. Our experts can help clients select the appropriate species based on their research objectives, ensuring that they have access to the optimal model system.

Inducing senescence in roundworms

We subject roundworms to elevated temperatures, usually around 25°C, which is possible to induce senescence. We also expose them to pro-oxidants such as paraquat or hydrogen peroxide, which can lead to the induction of senescence. These chemicals promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause cellular damage and trigger an aging response. Additionally, we use various chemical compounds such as rapamycin or metformin to induce senescence.

Modeling aging in roundworms by genetic modifications

We utilize a library of genetically modified roundworm strains that allow for the targeted manipulation of key aging-related transcription factors and epigenetic regulators. This includes but is not limited to genes involved in insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, stress response pathways, and mitochondrial function, all of which have been shown to play pivotal roles in modulating lifespan and healthspan. Our customization services enable clients to uncover novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative interventions to combat age-related diseases.

Environmental manipulations affecting roundworm lifespans

We provide services to help clients study how environmental factors such as diet, temperature, or toxic exposure affect roundworm lifespan and healthspan. Our team of scientists can provide customized feeding regimens to explore the effects of various dietary interventions on aging. Our facilities allow us to assist clients in precisely controlling the temperature at which the worms are cultured, enabling clients to explore the impacts of both thermal stress and thermal hormesis on longevity. We also offer the services to expose roundworms to a wide range of potential toxins, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful compounds, under carefully controlled conditions. Our services enable clients to study the effects of environmental manipulations on lifespan and the underlying molecular pathways involved in the aging process.

At CD BioSciences, we are committed to empowering our clients with advanced and customizable roundworm models to drive their aging research forward. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.

References

1. Zhang S, et al. Caenorhabditis elegans as a Useful Model for Studying Aging Mutations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2020, 11: 554994.
2. Tissenbaum HA. Using C. elegans for aging research. Invertebr Reprod Dev, 2015, 59 (sup1): 59-63.