The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was first employed as a laboratory organism fifty years ago, and since then, it has been utilized as one of the most popular and adaptable models for almost every area of biological and genetic study. This review highlights the application of C. elegans in research, covering its historical significance, basic features, life cycle, and diverse applications, including obesity, aging, toxicity, and CNS disorders. The historical overview details the key milestones in C. elegans research, from its discovery by Dr. Sydney Brenner to the development of essential techniques and breakthroughs such as the discovery of RNA interference and completion of the genome sequence. The advantages of using C. elegans include its ease of growth, rapid life history, facile genetics, and molecular genetics resources. It is noted that the self-fertilizing nature of C. elegans minimizes inbreeding depression and allows for straightforward assessment of quantitative traits. Additionally, the model's genetic tractability and ability to systematically downregulate gene function through RNA interference are emphasized. The limitations of C. elegans as a model organism include its evolutionary distance from mammals, simplified tissue complexity, absence of certain organs and systems, short lifespan, limited behavioural complexity, environmental sensitivity, and limited drug metabolism. The versatility of C. elegans in various research areas, its unique characteristics, and its potential to complement other model systems are emphasized. This review concludes by highlighting the importance of C. elegans as a model for studying aging and disease, particularly due to its ease of manipulation and lower cost compared to vertebrate models.

Mrs. Mamta Venna*, Dr. Pushplata Choghule

C. elegans, obesity, toxicity, ageing, Alzheimer’s disease