Methods for Creating Mutations in C. elegans That Extend Lifespan

The principle of commonly used methods to create mutations in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans ) is straightforward. In general, worms are exposed to a dose of mutagen resulting in DNA damages and mutations. Screening the progeny of the mutagenized animals for a certain phenotype is the regular forward genetic approach in C. elegans . A mutant selected from such a population is stabilized to recover a pure homozygous strain. In this chapter, we categorize the protocol into mutagenesis, phenotype screen, and outcross and provide time-tested procedures for their implementation to create long-lived worm mutants.