Programmed DNA Elimination in Auanema rhodense

In animals, the germline is protected for heredity, while somatic cells can undergo genetic changes. Programmed DNA Elimination (PDE), where organisms reshape their somatic genome during development, is a poorly understood but fundamental process. The nematode Auanema eliminates a large portion of its DNA in somatic cells, challenging current views of genome integrity. Despite being known for nearly 140 years and found in many species, PDE's function and mechanisms remain a mystery. This research on Auanema aims to unlock the secrets of PDE, leveraging the suitability of this nematode genus for genetic studies.