Fall 1999
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Sometimes big surprises come in small packages. In this case the package is a millimeter-long worm with a life span of about three weeks.
"This little worm, called a nematode, is playing a leading role in a revolution that is about to transform our understanding of biology, probably more so than has any other advance in the history of biological science," says Bruce Bowerman, a University of Oregon biologist and member of the Institute of Molecular Biology. "We are about to move into an era when we come to understand animals -- including humans -- in terms of their entire genetic make-up."
The nematode is the first animal for which scientists have compiled a complete genetic makeup, or genome. In other words, researchers now know every one of the roughly 19,000 genes that control virtually every aspect of this animal's growth and development.
In the next few months researchers will complete the fruit fly genome and within a few years the mouse and human genomes. By crosschecking between species, scientists will be better able to piece together an understanding of genes and the controlling effect they exert on development.
A recent advance in Bowerman's lab highlights the value of this crosschecking. In the mid-1990s Bowerman's research group began investigating worm embryos that died because they failed to properly develop intestines. Their research identified six mutated genes that appeared to be to blame for the malformation. In the past two years Bowerman and his colleagues have crosschecked these genes with known human genes and identified human counterparts for five of the six malfunctioning genes -- counterparts that lead to colon cancer in humans.
"Two of the worm genes we found seem to serve as regulators for the other cancer-causing genes," says Bowerman. "If those genes play a similar role in humans, medical researchers may be able to target them as a possible method of cancer treatment."
What is the potential value of this insight into genes? This year, 50,000 Americans will die of colon cancer, the third most common form of the disease. Nearly twice that number will be diagnosed with the disease.
Bowerman's work may have other medical applications as well. In the process of growing and analyzing worm embryos and manipulating their genes, his group has discovered new insights into the fundamental mechanics of how animal cells divide.
"Cell division is one of the most fundamental of all life processes in animals. Through our study we are coming to a deeper understanding of the basic aspects of how this vital process works," he says. "The failure of cells to properly split plays a prominent role in many kinds of cancer as well as numerous other diseases. The more we learn the closer we are to identifying, preventing, or treating a whole host of diseases."
Bowerman, who trained at the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle, runs a large and active laboratory at the UO. He oversees eight graduate students working toward doctoral degrees focused on various aspects of cell division and development. In addition, two "post-docs" (full-time researchers with Ph.D.s) and a research technician add to the lab's staff.
"Over the years we've had 14 undergraduates work on research projects in the lab," Bowerman adds. "Many of these students have used the skills they gained here as a stepping stone to graduate school, medical school, or professional work in research laboratories."
The National Institutes of Health are supporting Bowerman's research effort with two major grants worth about half a million dollars per year.
Bowerman believes that the researchers have laid a good foundation for additional productive work with the worm.
"Researchers around the world are discovering enormously valuable information about this small worm, information that is extremely useful in understanding human health and disease. Here at the UO, we plan to continue with our research on the relevant pathways connected to colon cancer."