IGB-CNR: Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati Traverso"
via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
The Group uses the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study a variety of biological problems. We use C. elegans in our own programs but also in collaboration with other groups that want to use the nematode to approach specific problems.
Our own projects have focused on three main areas:
- the role of ZP domain containing proteins in the assembly of the cuticle of C. elegans and in particular in the formation of the alae . These processes are models of the morphogenesis of extracellular structures.
- the cells and the molecules involved in chemical sensitivity in C. elegans. In particular we have studied how the worm senses water soluble repellents and noxious stimuli as a model for bitter taste and nociception in higher organisms.
- kal-1 , the C. elegans homolog of the human gene for X-linked Kallmann Syndrome which we have shown to be involved in epithelial morphogenesis and in the growth and branching of neurites. We want to identify the genetic and molecular partners of kal-1 with the aim of understanding its mechanism of action and of identifying new genes potentially involved in the other (non-X-linked) forms of Kallmann Syndrome.
- In addition we have a number of projects in collaboration with other groups to study C. elegans homologs of genes from other organisms. These range from mammalian genes involved in diseases to genes from nematodes that are parasites of plants or of animals. For these collaborations we have set up a facility: The Open Laboratory