Transcriptional regulation in model organisms: recent progress and clinical implications

Abstract

In this review, we will summarize model organisms used by scientists in the laboratory, including Escherichia coli, yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana, nematodes, Drosophila, zebrafish, mice and other animals. We focus on the progress in research exploring different types of E. coli in the human body, and the specific molecular mechanisms by which they play a role in humans. First, we discuss the specific transcriptional regulation mechanism of E. coli in cell development, maturation, ageing and longevity, as well as tumorigenesis and development. Then, we discuss how the synthesis of some important substances in cells is regulated and how this affects biological behaviour. Understanding and applying these mechanisms, presumably, can greatly improve the quality of people's lives as well as increase their lifespan. For example, some E. coli can activate certain cells by secreting insulin-like growth factor-1, thus activating the inflammatory response of the body, while other E. coli can inactivate the immune response of the body by secreting toxic factors.

Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans; Drosophila melanogaster; model organisms; transcriptional regulation.

Figure 1.

The common model organisms in this review.

Figure 2.

Three types of E. coli which play different roles.

Figure 3.

Three pathways that extend the lifespan of C. elegans. By upregulating the expression of Krupp transcription factor and downregulating the expression of BCAT-1 enzyme and H3K4me3 methyl transferase, the lifespan of the nematode could be extended.

Figure 4.

Effects of transcriptional products on ejaculation, alcohol abuse, exercise and other behaviours of Drosophila melanogaster.