We study the heterochronic genes of C. elegans. These genes encode regulators of developmental timing during the larval stages of development. When a heterochronic gene is mutant, the animal undergoes either precocious development, where cell division and differentiation events specific to a particular stage are skipped, or retarded development, where events are reiterated and others delayed or prevented. Without this regulation lin-28 is continuously expressed causing the reiteration of second stage events. We are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of these regulatory molecules.
Lightning strikes twice.
Ambros, V., Moss, E.G. Heterochronic genes and the temporal control of C. elegans development.