Top: Fluorescent micrographs showing pals-5p::GFP expression in nematodes raised on E. coli expressing dsRNA of empty vector control L4440 or dsRNA targeting lin-9 or lin-13 synMuv B genes. Scale bar is indicated. Bottom: Brightfield micrographs showing uninfected vs. virus-infected lin-8(n2731) mutant animals. The central vulva that is normally induced in wild type is indicated by a black arrow. The inset image in the panel showing the virus-infected animal is a magnified region showing ectopic vulval inductions. The ectopic vulval inductions are indicated by red arrows.
#SmallRNA pathways can regulate eukaryotic antiviral defense. This study in #Celegans shows that a subunit of the dREAM complex regulates antiviral RNAi in response to Orsay #virus infection; if mutated it can generate a constitutive state of antiviral readiness 🧪 @plosbiology.org plos.io/4hziGlf