Using C. elegans as a Model System to Discover Antiepileptic Drugs

Author

• Mckenzie D. Merritt

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Wetterer, James K.

Abstract

Novel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly tested using rats and mice as model systems. These animals, however, require a great deal of time, money, and lab space to maintain. In contrast, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) potentially can provide a faster, and less expensive model system for testing AEDs. C. elegans are simple to maintain and have a very short generation time, allowing high throughput assays to screen for new AEDs. For my thesis research, I used C. elegans to test FDA approved AEDs. My tests support the contention that C. elegans can be a useful model system for AED discovery.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Merritt, Mckenzie D., "Using C. elegans as a Model System to Discover Antiepileptic Drugs" (2016). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 273.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/273

Extent

21 p.

Identifier

FA00003682