Abstract: The invention relates to screening methods using nematode worms, particularly but not exclusively C. elegans, which are adapted to be performed in a high-throughput format.

Abstract: Improved vector constructs useful in the expression of double-stranded RNA are provided. The constructs are particularly useful for expression of double-stranded RNA in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: There is provided a method of identifying DNA responsible for conferring a particular phenotype in a cell which method comprises a) constructing a cDNA or genomic library of the DNA of said cell in a suitable vector in an orientation relative to a promoter(s) capable of initiating transcription of said cDNA or DNA to double stranded (ds) RNA upon binding of an appropriate transcription factor to said promoter(s), b) introducing said library into one or more of said cells comprising said transcription factor, and c) identifying and isolating a particular phenotype of said cell comprising said library and identifying the DNA or cDNA fragment from said library responsible for conferring said phenotype.

Abstract: This invention is directed to new methods to perform assays with nematodes, and more particularly with microscopic nematodes such as C. elegans. In particular, the invention provides methods based on the use of growth-stage specific promoters to drive growth-stage specific gene expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of microscopic nematodes such as C. elegans in functional high throughput in vivo assays suitable for the detection of inhibitors or activators of intestinal lipid uptake.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening compounds for potential pharmacological activity using nematode worms, principally but not exclusively the nematode C. elegans. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of nematodes modified to have certain characteristics which provide advantages for compound screening, such as constitutive pharyngeal pumping, increased gut permeability or altered gut molecular transport. Methods for selecting suitably modified nematodes from a population of nematodes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening compounds for potential pharmacological activity using nematode worms, principally but not exclusively the nematode C. elegans. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of nematodes modified to have certain characteristics which provide advantages for compound screening, such as constitutive pharyngeal pumping, increased gut permeability or altered gut molecular transport. Methods for selecting suitably modified nematodes from a population of nematodes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for screening of chemical substances with potential pharmacological activity using nematode worms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Specifically, the invention relates to methods adapted for high-throughput screening which are performed in a multi-well plate format.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening for compounds which affect the activity of a physiologically important calcium pump, the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), using the nematode worm C. elegans.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of screening for compounds which affect the activity of a physiologically important calcium pump, the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), using the nematode worm C. elegans.

Abstract: There is provided a method of identifying DNA responsible for conferring a particular phenotype in a cell which method comprises a) constructing a cDNA or genomic library of the DNA of said cell in a suitable vector in an orientation relative to a promoter(s) capable of initiating transcription of said cDNA or DNA to double stranded (ds) RNA upon binding of an appropriate transcription factor to said promoter(s), b) introducing said library into one or more of said cells comprising said transcription factor, and c) identifying and isolating a particular phenotype of said cell comprising said library and identifying the DNA or cDNA fragment from said library responsible for conferring said phenotype.

Abstract: DNA fragments from the promoter region of the C. elegans UL6 gene which are capable of functioning as promoters directing gene expression in the excretory cell of C. elegans are provided and also expression vectors and transgenic C. elegans containing these fragments. Also provided are screening methods performed in C. elegans for identifying compounds or mutations which have an affect on the morphology of the excretory canal. Compounds identified using these screening methods may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of a range of diseases for which the C. elegans excretory canal serves as a model.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of microscopic nematodes such as C. elegans in functional high throughput in vivo assays suitable for the detection of inhibitors or activators of intestinal lipid uptake.