The goal of this program is to isolate, sequence and map the genes expressed in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This animal is an outstanding model system to understand the normal function the numerous genes that cause neurologic diseases. We have sequenced over 500 cDNA clones from this organism. These include potential homologues for such important human genes as cyclophilin, laminin receptor, an LDL receptor and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. We have created a database of C. elegans genes and begun the physical mapping of the most interesting clones to the C. elegans genome. The sequencing of full-length genes for some of these interesting homologues is underway. Once an appropriate laboratory is set up, we will begin to correlate these genes with known mutations in C. elegans and begin to characterize the regulation of their expression using lac-fusions in transgenic animals.
