C. elegans epigenetic regulation in development and aging

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License.The precise developmentalmap of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell lineage, as well as a complete genome sequence and feasibility of genetic manipulation make this nematode species highly attractive to study the role of epigenetics during development. Genetic dissection of phenotypical traits, such as formation of egg-laying organs or starvation- resistant dauer larvae, has illustrated how chromatin modifiers may regulate specific cell-fate decisions and behavioral programs. Moreover, the transparent body of C. elegans facilitates non-invasive microscopy to study tissue-specific accumulation of heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery. We also review here recent findings on how small RNA molecules contribute to epigenetic control of gene expression that can be propagated for several generations and eventually determine longevity.This work was supported by the CNRS [to F.P.]; Fondation ARC [SFI20101201659 to F.P.]; Ligue Contre le Cancer [to F.P.]; the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [BFU2010-15478 to P.A.]; the Autonomous Government of Andalusia [P08-CVI-3920 to P.A.]; and the European Regional Development Fund.Peer Reviewe