IP3 signalling regulates exogenous RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans

EMBO Rep. 2015 Mar;16(3):341-50. doi: 10.15252/embr.201439585. Epub 2015 Jan 21.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) is a widespread and widely exploited phenomenon. Here, we show that changing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) signalling alters RNAi sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Reducing IP3 signalling enhances sensitivity to RNAi in a broad range of genes and tissues. Conversely up-regulating IP3 signalling decreases sensitivity. Tissue-specific rescue experiments suggest IP3 functions in the intestine. We also exploit IP3 signalling mutants to further enhance the sensitivity of RNAi hypersensitive strains. These results demonstrate that conserved cell signalling pathways can modify RNAi responses, implying that RNAi responses may be influenced by an animal's physiology or environment.

Keywords: C. elegans; RNA interference; calcium signalling; enhanced RNAi; inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate / metabolism*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Models, Biological
  • RNA Interference / physiology*
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate