[
WormBook,
2006]
In the last decade, nematodes other than C. elegans have been studied intensively in evolutionary developmental biology. A few species have been developed as satellite systems for more detailed genetic and molecular studies. One such satellite species is the diplogastrid nematode Pristionchus pacificus. Here, I provide an overview about the biology, phylogeny, ecology, genetics and genomics of P. pacificus.
[
WormBook,
2005]
The knowledge about C. elegans provides a paradigm for comparative studies. Nematodes are very attractive in evolutionary developmental biology given the species richness of the phylum and the easiness with which several of these species can be cultured under laboratory conditions. Embryonic, gonad, vulva and male tail development were studied and compared in nematodes of five different families, providing a detailed picture of evolutionary changes in development. In particular, vulva development has been studied in great detail and substantial differences in the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms have been observed between C. elegans and other nematodes. For example, vulva induction relies on the single anchor cell in C. elegans, whereas a variety of different cellular mechanisms are used in related species. In recent years, a few species have been developed as satellite systems for detailed genetic and molecular studies, such as Oscheius tipulae and Pristionchus pacificus.
[
2013]
One of the central aims of modern biology is to elucidate the mechanisms leading to the complex structures of organisms. Using the information inherent in the one-dimensional nucleotide sequence of the genome, cleavage divisions of the fertilized egg, with all the associated genetic and epigenetic regulatory steps, generates a specific three-dimensional pattern of differentiated cells. Anensuing series of dynamic processes finally results in a functional organism with many complex structures and phenotypes. Understanding the genetic and molecularbasis of embryonic and postembryonic patterning during development has been a central field of research since the 1970s, and nematodes have been at the forefront of this research.