Cell Fate Reprogramming of Nematode Germ Cells into Neurons

Source: Kolundzic, E., et al. Application of RNAi and Heat-shock-induced Transcription Factor Expression to Reprogram Germ Cells to Neurons in C. elegans. J. Vis. Exp. (2018). This video demonstrates cell fate reprogramming of nematode germ cells into neurons. Transgenic larvae of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are subjected to RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down a specific chromatin-regulating factor, making the germ cells of their progeny more susceptible to cell fate reprogramming. Heat shock is applied to the progeny, inducing the germ cells to express a neuron-specific transcription factor that triggers their transformation into neurons, which is identified using an expressed fluorescent reporter.