Authors would like to acknowledge Claire Lecroisey and Laurent S&#233;galat for generating nonintegrated Pdyc-1::dyc-1::gfp; Pmyo-2::dsRed and Pmyo-3::gfp transgenic strains. We thank Andy Fire for the gift of the Pmyo-2::dsRed plasmid and Pamela Hoppe for the gift of the Pmyo-3::gfp plasmid. This work was founded by the French National Center of Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Claude Bernard University of Lyon.

1. Culturing Transgenic Nematodes Prior to&#160;Integration
Transgenic lines can be generated as described in1. These lines usually contain a coinjection marker plasmid leading either to the expression of a fluorescent protein or to a specific behavioral or morphological phenotype at a given development stage1,3. This integration protocol can be applied to strains expressing fluorescent or nonfluorescent coinjection markers. In the example to follow, a strain with a fluorescent coinjection marker was used.
<ol>
	<li>Prepare culture plates:
		<ol>
			<li>Prepare about 500 60 mm&#160;large Petri dishes poured aseptically with 10 ml each of Nematode Growth Medium (NGM)6,7.</li>
			<li>Seed each plate with 0.3 ml of saturated Escherichia coli OP50 culture following standard procedure6,7.</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Evaluate the transmission rate of the transgenic line to be integrated:
		<ol>
			<li>For each transgenic line, pick ten fluorescent gravid adults onto ten separate culture plates under a fluorescent stereoscope using a worm pick as described in7.</li>
			<li>Culture the animals in a worm incubator at 15-25 &#176;C (depending on the genetic background) to allow the worms to reproduce.</li>
			<li>Observe progeny each day to evaluate at which developmental stage the coinjection marker is expressed and can be best observed. The expression of most of the currently used coinjection markers is observed at the L4 larval stage or at adulthood.</li>
			<li>Evaluate the transmission rate of the progeny by determining the percentage of fluorescent progeny by observation under a fluorescent stereoscope.</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Choose a transgenic line for transgene integration:
		<ol>
			<li>Select the transgenic line with the highest transmission rate as possible (ideally &#8805;80%).</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Obtain a population of transgenic animals synchronized at the L4 larval stage for integration:
	<ol>
		<li>Pick 30 fluorescent gravid adults onto five culture plates (six animals by plate).</li>
		<li>Let the worms lay eggs for 3-4 hr at 15 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Eliminate the adults from the plates after checking for the presence of at least 30 eggs by plate.</li>
		<li>Culture the animals in a worm incubator at 15-25 &#176;C until the progeny reaches the L4 larval stage (96 hr at 15 &#176;C or 36 hr at 25 &#176;C).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. UV Irradiation and Recovery of Transgenic Worms
<ol>
	<li>Worm irradiation:
		<ol>
			<li>Pick 30-100 fluorescent transgenic L4 animals onto separate culture plates (15-20 animals by plate).</li>
			<li>Place the plates, with the lids removed, in a UV cross-linker. Irradiate the worms at 0.012 J/cm2. Note that strains are more or less sensitive to UV and that results can be variable depending on the UV irradiator used. A dose range between 0.010-0.015 J/cm2 can be tested.</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Worm recovery after irradiation:
	<ol>
		<li>Place plates with irradiated worms overnight at 15 &#176;C for recovery.</li>
		<li>Check for the number animals that are alive. In our hands, a survival rate of around 80-90% is adapted for an efficient irradiation.</li>
		<li>Grow the irradiated animals at 15-25 &#176;C until the progeny has reached the developmental stage allowing for the observation of the coinjection marker expression, as established in step 1.2.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Isolation of Integrated Transgenic Lines
<ol>
	<li>Selection of F1 animals:
		<ol>
			<li>Single 150-200 fluorescent F1 animals onto separate culture plates. For highly transmitting lines (&#8805;80%), 100 F1 animals are enough.</li>
			<li>Keep these F1 plates at 15-25 &#176;C until the progeny reaches an appropriate stage for the observation of fluorescent F2 animals.</li>
			<li>Discard all F1 plates exhibiting either i) no progeny, indicating that the F1 animal was sterile or died, or ii) no or only few fluorescent F2 animals, indicating that the F1 animal did not transmit the transgene at the expected rate. This step is quick and represents a real advantage when compared to the standard protocol that requires an estimation of the percentage of fluorescent F2 worms in order to select F1 plates exhibiting &#8805;75% fluorescent progeny (Table 1).</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Selection of F2 animals:
		<ol>
			<li>Single four fluorescent transgenic F2 animals from each selected F1 plate. When using fluorescent transgenes (for example mCherry8, gfp9, or dsRed10), pick F2 worms with a high level of fluorescence as this could indicate that these animals are homozygous for the integrated array. Note that when picking F2 animals it is critical not to carry along eggs or larvae, in order to avoid false negatives in the next step.</li>
			<li>Grow F2 animals at 15-25 &#176;C.</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Isolation and validation of integrated transgenic strains:
		<ol>
			<li>Screen F2 plates for 100% fluorescent transgenic F3 worms. The screen is quite rapid as the presence of a single nonfluorescent worm indicates that the plate should be thrown away. A F2 animal homozygous for the integrated transgene will give 100% homozygous fluorescent progeny.</li>
			<li>Single eight fluorescent F3 animals from selected plates to confirm the 100% inheritance of the transgene. In theory, picking one animal is enough at this step. However, picking eight fluorescent F3 animals may be necessary to avoid selecting unfertile or unhealthy animals as irradiation can randomly induce mutations that affect genes important for worm physiology.</li>
			<li>If possible keep several independent integrated transgenic strains, i.e. strains recovered from different F1 animals.</li>
		</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Berkowitz, L. A., Knight, A. L., Caldwell, G. A., Caldwell, K. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Generation+of+stable+transgenic+C.+elegans+using+microinjection.">Generation of stable transgenic C. elegans using microinjection.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (18), e833 (2008).</li><li>Mello, C., Kramer, J. M., Stinchlomb, D., Ambros, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficient+gene+transfer+in+C.elegans:+extrachromosomal+maintenance+and+integration+of+transforming+sequences.">Efficient gene transfer in C.elegans: extrachromosomal maintenance and integration of transforming sequences.</a> EMBO J. 10 (12), 3959-3970 (1991).</li><li>Evans, T. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transformation+and+microinjection.">Transformation and microinjection.</a> WormBook. , (2006).</li><li>Hobert, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=PCR+Fusion-Based+Approach+to+Create+Reporter+Gene+Constructs+for+Expression+Analysis+in+Transgenic+C.+elegans.">PCR Fusion-Based Approach to Create Reporter Gene Constructs for Expression Analysis in Transgenic C. elegans.</a> BioTechniques. 32, 728-730 (2002).</li><li>Stinchcomb, D. T., Shaw, J. E., Carr, S. H., Hirsh, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extrachromosomal+DNA+transformation+of+Caenorhabditis+elegans.">Extrachromosomal DNA transformation of Caenorhabditis elegans.</a> Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 3484-3496 (1985).</li><li>Brenner, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+genetics+of+Caenorhabditis+elegans.">The genetics of Caenorhabditis elegans.</a> Genetics. 77, 71-94 (1974).</li><li>Chaudhuri, J., Parihar, M., Pires-daSilva, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+Introduction+to+Worm+Lab:+from+Culturing+Worms+to+Mutagenesis.">An Introduction to Worm Lab: from Culturing Worms to Mutagenesis.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (47), e2293 (2011).</li><li>Merritt, C., Rasoloson, D., Gallo, C., Voronina, E., Ko, D., Seydoux, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+modular+vector+kit+for+transgenesis+in+C.+elegans.">A modular vector kit for transgenesis in C. elegans.</a> International Worm Meeting. , (2007).</li><li>Chalfie, M., Tu, Y., Euskirchen, G., Ward, W., Green Prasher, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluorescent+protein+as+a+marker+for+gene+expression.">Fluorescent protein as a marker for gene expression.</a> Science. 263, 802-805 (1994).</li><li>Fleenor, J., Fire, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Discosoma+sp.+Red+Fluorescent+Protein+(dsRED)+as+a+reporter+in+C.+elegans.">Discosoma sp. Red Fluorescent Protein (dsRED) as a reporter in C. elegans.</a> Worm Breeder's Gazette. 16 (3), 16 (2000).</li><li>Lecroisey, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ZYX-1,+the+unique+zyxin+protein+of+Caenorhabditis+elegans,+is+involved+in+dystrophin-dependent+muscle+degeneration.">ZYX-1, the unique zyxin protein of Caenorhabditis elegans, is involved in dystrophin-dependent muscle degeneration.</a> Mol. Biol. Cell. , (2013).</li><li>Praitis, V., Casey, E., Collar, D., Austin, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Creation+of+low-copy+integrated+transgenic+lines+in+Caenorhabditis+elegans.">Creation of low-copy integrated transgenic lines in Caenorhabditis elegans.</a> Genetics. 157 (3), 1217-1226 (2001).</li><li>Fr&#248;kjaer-Jensen, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-copy+insertion+of+transgenes+in+Caenorhabditis+elegans.">Single-copy insertion of transgenes in Caenorhabditis elegans.</a> Nat. Genet. 40 (11), 1375-1383 (2008).</li><li>Dickinson, D. J., Ward, J. D., Reiner, D. J., Goldstein, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Engineering+the+Caenorhabditis+elegans+genome+using+Cas9-triggered+homologous+recombination.">Engineering the Caenorhabditis elegans genome using Cas9-triggered homologous recombination.</a> Nat. Methods. 10 (10), 1028-1034 (2013).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interest.

The protocol described here provides an efficient method to integrate extrachromosomal transgenic arrays into the genome of C. elegans. Using different nonintegrated lines, which transmitted the same transgene Pdyc-1::dyc-1::gfp (pKG45) at different rates (10-15%, 50-60%, and &#62;80%), we showed that the number of integrated strains recovered after UV irradiation is dependent of the initial level of transmission of the nonintegrated line (Table 2). Therefore, transgenes are easier to i...

Transgenes are extensively used in C. elegans for a large range of applications. Transgenic strains are typically generated by DNA injection into the syncytial hermaphrodite gonad1,2. The DNA carrying the transgene of interest is coinjected along with plasmids encoding coinjection markers1,3,4. Coinjection markers are established transgenes leading either to the expression of a fluorescent protein or to a specific behavioral or morphological phenotype. The injected DNAs rearrange to form multi copy extrachromosomal arrays; thus the transgene of interest and the coinjection marker are transmitted together5,4. Transgenic lines are selected in the F2 generation of injected animals by following the phenotype induced by the expression of the coinjection marker (fluorescence or specific phenotype)1. Transgenic lines exhibit partial and variable transmission rates of the extrachromosomal arrays to the next generation. Depending on the strain, 10-100% (100% being a rare event) of the animals inherit extrachromosomal arrays. In addition, transgenic animals are mosaic and express the transgene in a variable number of cells. This mosaicism is likely to be correlated to the transmission rate to the next generation. Indeed, in both germ line and somatic cells the transmission rate depends on the segregation of the extrachromosomal arrays during cell divisions. One way to avoid this issue is to integrate the transgene into the genome. Classically, the integration of a transgene into a chromosome relies on irradiation (ultraviolet or gamma) of transgenic worms carrying extrachromosomal arrays3. Briefly, 50-100 hermaphrodite animals are irradiated at the L4 larval stage. In the F1 generation 200-800 transgenic animals are selected and individually cultured onto plates. According to Mendelian segregation, transgenic F1 animals carrying a heterozygous integration of the transgene into the genome would produce 1/2 of transgenic descendants that are heterozygous for the integrated array, 1/4 of transgenic descendants being homozygous for the integrated array, and 1/4 of descendants that have not integrated the array (Figure 1). Thus, plates containing the F2 generation are visually screened for &#8805;75% transgenic animals as observed by the expression of the coinjection marker. About 1/3 of the F2 animals selected for being integrant candidates are assumed to be homozygous for the integrated array and to produce 100% of homozygous F3 animals. Hence, from each selected plate, three to eight transgenic F2 animals are individually cultured and plates with 100% of transgenic descendants are selected. Next, eight F3 animals are individually cultured to confirm the 100% inheritance of the transgene.
The main disadvantages of this method are that
<ol type="i">
	<li>it requires a visual screen of several hundred F1 plates for &#8805;75% transgenic F2 progeny, which is time consuming due to the variable and unpredictable percentage of transmission of nonintegrated extrachromosomal arrays. Alternatively, to avoid the screening of F1 plates several subsequent starvation steps can be performed after irradiation of P0 animals; followed by picking 100 transgenic animals and screening for 100% transgenic progeny3.</li>
	<li>it is not adapted for strains exhibiting a percentage of extrachromosomal array transmission higher than 60% as this percentage is difficult to distinguish this percentage from 75%.</li>
	<li>as only strains with a relatively low transmission rate can be used, a high number of irradiated transgenic P0 animals is necessary as well as the observation of numerous F1 and F2 animals, which is highly time consuming and requires a considerable number of plates.</li>
</ol>
The irradiation of worms presumably induces double-strand breaks in the DNA and integration of extrachromosomal arrays into chromosomes occurs during DNA repair. Thus, it is likely that chances to obtain successful irradiation mediated integration are directly proportional to the number of germ line cells carrying an extrachromosomal array. Strains with a high transmission rate may contain more transgenic DNA arrays than strains with a low transmission rate as suggested in2, and exhibit a higher number of germ line cells carrying extrachromosomal arrays. Thus, we reasoned that in highly transmitting lines, transgenes might be easier to integrate than in lines with a low transmission rate. However, the standard protocol excludes the possibility of integrating transgenes with high transmission frequency as the percentage of transgenic animals with a nonintegrated extrachromosomal array can hardly be distinguished from that of the progeny of a F1 animal carrying a heterozygous integration of the transgene into the genome (Figure 1).
Here we show that for a particular transgene, the number of integrated lines recovered after irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light is dependent on the initial percentage of transmission of the nonintegrated array. We present an improved protocol for UV irradiation-mediated transgene integration that is particularly relevant to lines exhibiting a high rate of transgene array transmission.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Agar</td><td>Prolabo</td><td>20768.292</td><td>for NGM (nematode growth medium) preparation (6,7)</td></tr><tr><td>NaCl</td><td>Chimie-Plus</td><td>40045</td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>Bacto-peptone</td><td>BD</td><td>211820</td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>KH&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;PO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Roth</td><td>3904-1</td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;HPO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Prolabo</td><td>26930.293</td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>MgSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Roth</td><td>P027.2</td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>CaCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;</td><td>Prolabo</td><td>22317.297</td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>Cholesterol</td><td>Rectapur</td><td></td><td>for NGM preparation</td></tr><tr><td>LB-broth</td><td>Sigma</td><td>L3022</td><td>for culture of OP50 bacteria</td></tr><tr><td>EQUIPMENT</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>U.V. cross-linker</td><td>Fischer Scientific</td><td></td><td>Wavelength 254 nm</td></tr><tr><td>Microscope SteREO Discovery V8</td><td>Carl Zeiss, Inc.</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Petri dishes, 60 mm</td><td>CML</td><td>BPS55E6</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Platinium wire 0.25 mm</td><td>Alfa Aesar</td><td>7440-06-4</td><td>To make a pick for worms (7)</td></tr></tbody></table>

a rapid protocol for integrating extrachromosomal arrays with high transmission rate into the c. elegans genome

Microinjecting DNA into the cytoplasm of the syncytial gonad of Caenorhabditis elegans is the main technique used to establish transgenic lines that exhibit partial and variable transmission rates of extrachromosomal arrays to the next generation. In addition, transgenic animals are mosaic and express the transgene in a variable number of cells. Extrachromosomal arrays can be integrated into the C. elegans genome using UV irradiation to establish nonmosaic transgenic strains with 100% transmission rate of the transgene. To that extent, F1 progenies of UV irradiated transgenic animals are screened for animals carrying a heterozygous integration of the transgene, which leads to a 75% Mendelian transmission rate to the F2 progeny. One of the challenges of this method is to distinguish between the percentage of transgene transmission in a population before (X% transgenic animals) and after integration (&#8805;75% transgenic F2 animals). Thus, this method requires choosing a nonintegrated transgenic line with a percentage of transgenic animals that is significantly lower than the Mendelian segregation of 75%. Consequently, nonintegrated transgenic lines with an extrachromosomal array transmission rate to the next generation &#8804;60% are usually preferred for integration, and transgene integration in highly transmitting strains is difficult. Here we show that the efficiency of extrachromosomal arrays integration into the genome is increased when using highly transmitting transgenic lines (&#8805;80%). The described protocol allows for easy selection of several independent lines with homozygous transgene integration into the genome after UV irradiation of transgenic worms exhibiting a high rate of extrachromosomal array transmission. Furthermore, this method is quite fast and low material consuming. The possibility of rapidly generating different lines that express a particular integrated transgene is of great interest for studies focusing on gene expression pattern and regulation, protein localization, and overexpression, as well as for the development of subcellular markers.

Integrations of transgenes in two different lines transmitting extrachromosomal arrays at about the same frequency (50-60%) were performed using the standard and the improved protocols (Table 1). The standard protocol allowed the recovery of three independent integrated lines after UV irradiation of 91 transgenic L4 animals, while the improved protocol allowed the recovery of one integrated line after UV irradiation of 30 transgenic L4 animals. This suggests that the efficiency of integration is similar ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome at JoVE.com

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome

This protocol describes a rapid and low material consuming procedure for the integration of transgenic extrachromosomal arrays into the Caenorhabditis elegans genome using ultra violet (UV) irradiation. Furthermore, this protocol is particularly well suited for transgenic lines that transmit extrachromosomal arrays at a high rate.

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome

Microinjecting DNA into the cytoplasm of the syncytial gonad of Caenorhabditis elegans is the main technique used to establish transgenic lines that ...

a-rapid-protocol-for-integrating-extrachromosomal-arrays-with-high

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

8.9K Views.  Université Claude Bernard Lyon. This protocol describes a rapid and low material consuming procedure for the integration of transgenic extrachromosomal arrays into the Caenorhabditis elegans genome using ultra violet (UV) irradiation. Furthermore, this protocol is particularly well suited for transgenic lines that transmit extrachromosomal arrays at a high rate.

Video: A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome

A Rapid and Facile Pipeline for Generating Genomic Point Mutants in C. elegans Using CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins

The clustered regularly interspersed palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) prokaryotic adaptive immune defense system has been co-opted as a powerful tool for precise eukaryotic genome engineering. Here, we present a rapid and simple method using chimeric single guide RNAs (sgRNA) and CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) for the efficient and precise generation of genomic point mutations in C. elegans. We describe a pipeline for sgRNA target selection, homology-directed repair (HDR) template design, CRISPR-Cas9-RNP complexing and delivery, and a genotyping strategy that enables the robust and rapid identification of correctly edited animals. Our approach not only permits the facile generation and identification of desired genomic point mutant animals, but also facilitates the detection of other complex indel alleles in approximately 4 - 5 days with high efficiency and a reduced screening workload.

A Rapid and Facile Pipeline for Generating Genomic Point Mutants in C. elegans Using CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins

Here, we present a method to engineer the genome of C. elegans using CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins and homology dependent repair templates.

The clustered regularly interspersed palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) prokaryotic adaptive immune defense system has been ...

Genetics

High-Throughput Quantitative RT-PCR in Single and Bulk C. elegans Samples Using Nanofluidic Technology

This paper presents a high-throughput reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for Caenorhabditis elegans that is fast, robust, and highly sensitive. This protocol obtains precise measurements of gene expression from single worms or from bulk samples. The protocol presented here provides a novel adaptation of existing methods for complementary DNA (cDNA) preparation coupled to a nanofluidic RT-qPCR platform. The first part of this protocol, named &#8216;Worm-to-CT&#8217;, allows cDNA production directly from nematodes without the need for prior mRNA isolation. It increases experimental throughput by allowing the preparation of cDNA from 96 worms in 3.5 h. The second part of the protocol uses existing nanofluidic technology to run high-throughput RT-qPCR on the cDNA. This paper evaluates two different nanofluidic chips: the first runs 96 samples and 96 targets, resulting in 9,216 reactions in approximately 1.5 days of benchwork. The second chip type consists of six 12 x 12 arrays, resulting in 864 reactions. Here, the Worm-to-CT method is demonstrated by quantifying mRNA levels of genes encoding heat shock proteins from single worms and from bulk samples. Provided is an extensive list of primers designed to amplify processed RNA for the majority of coding genes within the C. elegans genome.

High-Throughput Quantitative RT-PCR in Single and Bulk C. elegans Samples Using Nanofluidic Technology

In this article a high-throughput protocol for fast and reliable determination of gene expression levels in single or bulk C. elegans samples is described. This protocol does not require RNA isolation and produces cDNA directly from samples. It can be used together with high-throughput multiplexed nanofluidic real-time qPCR platforms.

This paper presents a high-throughput reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay for Caenorhabditis elegans that is fast, robust, and highly ...

A Molecular Readout of Long-term Olfactory Adaptation in C. elegans

During sustained stimulation most sensory neurons will adapt their response by decreasing their sensitivity to the signal. The adaptation response helps shape attention and also protects cells from over-stimulation. Adaptation within the olfactory circuit of C. elegans was first described by Colbert and Bargmann1,2. Here, the authors defined parameters of the olfactory adaptation paradigm, which they used to design a genetic screen to isolate mutants defective in their ability to adapt to volatile odors sensed by the Amphid Wing cells type C (AWC) sensory neurons. When wildtype C. elegans animals are exposed to an attractive AWC-sensed odor3 for 30 min they will adapt their responsiveness to the odor and will then ignore the adapting odor in a chemotaxis behavioral assay for ~1 hr. When wildtype C. elegans animals are exposed to an attractive AWC-sensed odor for ~1 hr they will then ignore the adapting odor in a chemotaxis behavioral assay for ~3 hr. These two phases of olfactory adaptation in C. elegans were described as short-term olfactory adaptation (induced after 30 min odor exposure), and long-term olfactory adaptation (induced after 60 min odor exposure). Later work from L'Etoile et al.,4 uncovered a Protein Kinase G (PKG) called EGL-4 that is required for both the short-term and long-term olfactory adaptation in AWC neurons. The EGL-4 protein contains a nuclear localization sequence that is necessary for long-term olfactory adaptation responses but dispensable for short-term olfactory adaptation responses in the AWC4. By tagging EGL-4 with a green fluorescent protein, it was possible to visualize the localization of EGL-4 in the AWC during prolonged odor exposure. Using this fully functional GFP-tagged EGL-4 (GFP::EGL-4) molecule we have been able to develop a molecular readout of long-term olfactory adaptation in the AWC5. Using this molecular readout of olfactory adaptation we have been able to perform both forward and reverse genetic screens to identify mutant animals that exhibit defective subcellular localization patterns of GFP::EGL-4 in the AWC6,7. Here we describe: 1) the construction of GFP::EGL-4 expressing animals; 2) the protocol for cultivation of animals for long-term odor-induced nuclear translocation assays; and 3) the scoring of the long-term odor-induced nuclear translocation event and recovery (re-sensitization) from the nuclear GFP::EGL-4 state.

A Molecular Readout of Long-term Olfactory Adaptation in C. elegans

Here we describe a molecular readout of long-term olfactory adaptation in Caenorhabditis elegans. The Protein Kinase G, EGL-4, is necessary for stable adaptation responses in the primary sensory neuron pair called AWC. During prolonged odor exposure EGL-4 translocates from the cytosol to nucleus of the AWC.

During sustained stimulation most sensory neurons will adapt their response by decreasing their sensitivity to the signal. The adaptation response helps ...

Neuroscience

In Situ Detection of Ribonucleoprotein Complex Assembly in the C. elegans Germline using Proximity Ligation Assay

Understanding when and where protein-protein interactions (PPIs) occur is critical to understanding protein function in the cell and how broader processes such as development are affected. The Caenorhabditis elegans germline is a great model system for studying PPIs that are related to the regulation of stem cells, meiosis, and development. There are a variety of well-developed techniques that allow proteins of interest to be tagged for recognition by standard antibodies, making this system advantageous for proximity ligation assay (PLA) reactions. As a result, the PLA is able to show where PPIs occur in a spatial and temporal manner in germlines more effectively than alternative approaches. Described here is a protocol for the application and quantification of this technology to probe PPIs in the C. elegans germline.

In Situ Detection of Ribonucleoprotein Complex Assembly in the C. elegans Germline using Proximity Ligation Assay

This protocol demonstrates use of the proximity ligation assay to probe for protein-protein interactions in situ in the C. elegans germline.

Understanding when and where protein-protein interactions (PPIs) occur is critical to understanding protein function in the cell and how broader processes ...

Developmental Biology

The Production of C. elegans Transgenes via Recombineering with the galK Selectable Marker

The creation of transgenic animals is widely utilized in C. elegans research including the use of GFP fusion proteins to study the regulation and expression pattern of genes of interest or generation of tandem affinity purification (TAP) tagged versions of specific genes to facilitate their purification. Typically transgenes are generated by placing a promoter upstream of a GFP reporter gene or cDNA of interest, and this often produces a representative expression pattern. However, critical elements of gene regulation, such as control elements in the 3' untranslated region or alternative promoters, could be missed by this approach. Further only a single splice variant can be usually studied by this means. In contrast, the use of worm genomic DNA carried by fosmid DNA clones likely includes most if not all elements involved in gene regulation in vivo which permits the greater ability to capture the genuine expression pattern and timing. To facilitate the generation of transgenes using fosmid DNA, we describe an E. coli based recombineering procedure to insert GFP, a TAP-tag, or other sequences of interest into any location in the gene. The procedure uses the galK gene as the selection marker for both the positive and negative selection steps in recombineering which results in obtaining the desired modification with high efficiency. Further, plasmids containing the galK gene flanked by homology arms to commonly used GFP and TAP fusion genes are available which reduce the cost of oligos by 50% when generating a GFP or TAP fusion protein. These plasmids use the R6K replication origin which precludes the need for extensive PCR product purification. Finally, we also demonstrate a technique to integrate the unc-119 marker on to the fosmid backbone which allows the fosmid to be directly injected or bombarded into worms to generate transgenic animals. This video demonstrates the procedures involved in generating a transgene via recombineering using this method.

The Production of C. elegans Transgenes via Recombineering with the galK Selectable Marker

The ability to produce transgenes for Caenorhabditis elegans using genomic DNA carried by fosmids is particularly attractive as all of the native regulatory elements are retained. Described is a simple and robust procedure for the production of transgenes via recombineering with the galK selectable marker.

The creation of transgenic animals is widely utilized in C. elegans research including the use of GFP fusion proteins to study the regulation and ...

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR

Synapses are composed of a presynaptic active zone in the signaling cell and a postsynaptic terminal in the target cell. In the case of chemical synapses, messages are carried by neurotransmitters released from presynaptic terminals and received by receptors on postsynaptic cells. Our previous research in Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that VSM-1 negatively regulates exocytosis. Additionally, analysis of synapses in vsm-1 mutants showed that animals lacking a fully functional VSM-1 have increased synaptic connectivity. Based on these preliminary findings, we hypothesized that C. elegans VSM-1 may play a crucial role in synaptogenesis. To test this hypothesis, double-labeled microarray analysis was performed, and gene expression profiles were determined. First, total RNA was isolated, reversely transcribed to cDNA, and hybridized to the DNA microarrays. Then, in-silico analysis of fluorescent probe hybridization revealed significant induction of many genes coding for members of the major sperm protein family (MSP) in mutants with enhanced synaptogenesis. MSPs are the major component of sperm in C. elegans and appear to signal nematode oocyte maturation and ovulation . In fruit flies, Chai and colleagues 1 demonstrated that MSP-like molecules regulate presynaptic bouton number and size at the neuromuscular junction. Moreover, analysis performed by Tsuda and coworkers 2 suggested that MSPs may act as ligands for Eph receptors and trigger receptor tyrosine kinase signaling cascades. Lastly, real time PCR analysis corroborated that the gene coding for MSP-32 is induced in vsm-1(ok1468) mutants. Taken together, research performed by our laboratory has shown that vsm-1 mutants have a significant increase in synaptic density, which could be mediated by MSP-32 signaling.

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR

Microarray analysis was conducted to determine genetic expression profiles in C. elegans, and real-time PCR was used to validate and quantify microarray data.

Synapses are composed of a presynaptic active zone in the signaling cell and a postsynaptic terminal in the target cell. In the case of chemical synapses, ...

Quantitative and Automated High-throughput Genome-wide RNAi Screens in C. elegans

RNA interference is a powerful method to understand gene function, especially when conducted at a whole-genome scale and in a quantitative context. In C. elegans, gene function can be knocked down simply and efficiently by feeding worms with bacteria expressing a dsRNA corresponding to a specific gene 1. While the creation of libraries of RNAi clones covering most of the C. elegans genome 2,3 opened the way for true functional genomic studies (see for example 4-7), most established methods are laborious. Moy and colleagues have developed semi-automated protocols that facilitate genome-wide screens 8. The approach relies on microscopic imaging and image analysis. 
	Here we describe an alternative protocol for a high-throughput genome-wide screen, based on robotic handling of bacterial RNAi clones, quantitative analysis using the COPAS Biosort (Union Biometrica (UBI)), and an integrated software: the MBioLIMS (Laboratory Information Management System from Modul-Bio) a technology that provides increased throughput for data management and sample tracking. The method allows screens to be conducted on solid medium plates. This is particularly important for some studies, such as those addressing host-pathogen interactions in C. elegans, since certain microbes do not efficiently infect worms in liquid culture.
	We show how the method can be used to quantify the importance of genes in anti-fungal innate immunity in C. elegans. In this case, the approach relies on the use of a transgenic strain carrying an epidermal infection-inducible fluorescent reporter gene, with GFP under the control of the promoter of the antimicrobial peptide gene nlp 29 and a red fluorescent reporter that is expressed constitutively in the epidermis. The latter provides an internal control for the functional integrity of the epidermis and nonspecific transgene silencing9. When control worms are infected by the fungus they fluoresce green. Knocking down by RNAi a gene required for nlp 29 expression results in diminished fluorescence after infection. Currently, this protocol allows more than 3,000 RNAi clones to be tested and analyzed per week, opening the possibility of screening the entire genome in less than 2 months.

Quantitative and Automated High-throughput Genome-wide RNAi Screens in C. elegans

We describe a protocol using C. elegans and RNAi feeding libraries that allows automated measurement of multiple parameters such as fluorescence, size and opacity of individual worms in a population. We give one example of a screen to identify genes involved in anti-fungal innate immunity in C. elegans.

RNA interference is a powerful method to understand gene function, especially when conducted at a whole-genome scale and in a quantitative context. In C. ...

Small-Scale Extraction of Caenorhabditis elegans Genomic DNA

Genomic DNA extraction from single or a few Caenorhabditis elegans has many downstream applications, including PCR for genotyping lines, cloning, and sequencing. The traditional proteinase K-based methods for genomic DNA extraction from C. elegans take several hours. Commercial extraction kits that effectively break open the C. elegans cuticle and extract genomic DNA are limited. An easy, faster (~15 min), and cost-efficient method of extracting C. elegans genomic DNA that works well for classroom and research applications is reported here. This DNA extraction method is optimized to use single or a few late-larval (L4) or adult nematodes as starting material for obtaining a reliable template to perform PCR. The results indicate that the DNA quality is suitable for amplifying gene targets of different sizes by PCR, permitting genotyping of single or a few animals even at dilutions to one-fiftieth of the genomic DNA from a single adult per reaction. The reported protocols can be reliably used to quickly produce DNA template from a single or a small sample of C. elegans for PCR-based applications.

Small-Scale Extraction of Caenorhabditis elegans Genomic DNA

Presented here is a description of the straightforward and relatively rapid isolation of Caenorhabditis elegans genomic DNA from one or a few animals using a commercially available tissue kit. The resulting gDNA preparation is a suitable template for PCR.

Genomic DNA extraction from single or a few Caenorhabditis elegans has many downstream applications, including PCR for genotyping lines, cloning, and ...

RNAi Plating for C. elegans Feeding: A Technique to Induce Target dsRNA Expression in E. coli

Source: Kolundzic, E., et al. <a href="https://www.jove.com/video/56889/application-rnai-heat-shock-induced-transcription-factor-expression">Application of RNAi and Heat-shock-induced Transcription Factor Expression to Reprogram Germ Cells to Neurons in&#160;C. elegans</a>.&#160;J. Vis. Exp.&#160;(2018).
This video describes the principles behind RNAi treatment in C. elegans and demonstrates a protocol to knockdown lin-35 in a transgenic worm strain.

Source: Kolundzic, E., et al. Application of RNAi and Heat-shock-induced Transcription Factor Expression to Reprogram Germ Cells to Neurons in&#160;C. ...

JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments

Caenorhabditis elegans (worm)

Single Worm PCR: A Method to Extract and Amplify Genomic DNA

Source: Prior, H., et al. <a href="https://www.jove.com/video/57518/a-rapid-facile-pipeline-for-generating-genomic-point-mutants-c">A Rapid and Facile Pipeline for Generating Genomic Point Mutants in&#160;C. elegans&#160;Using CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins.</a>&#160;J. Vis. Exp.&#160;(2018).
This video describes a technique to rapidly screen a single nematode for a genetic marker by PCR screening. In the example protocol, we screen for CRISPR-based genome editing.

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome

Summary

Explore More Videos

A Rapid and Facile Pipeline for Generating Genomic Point Mutants in C. elegans Using CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins

High-Throughput Quantitative RT-PCR in Single and Bulk C. elegans Samples Using Nanofluidic Technology

A Molecular Readout of Long-term Olfactory Adaptation in C. elegans

In Situ Detection of Ribonucleoprotein Complex Assembly in the C. elegans Germline using Proximity Ligation Assay

The Production of C. elegans Transgenes via Recombineering with the galK Selectable Marker

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR

Quantitative and Automated High-throughput Genome-wide RNAi Screens in C. elegans

Small-Scale Extraction of Caenorhabditis elegans Genomic DNA

RNAi Plating for C. elegans Feeding: A Technique to Induce Target dsRNA Expression in E. coli

Single Worm PCR: A Method to Extract and Amplify Genomic DNA