rde-3 reduces piRNA-mediated silencing and abolishes inherited silencing in C. elegans.

Abstract

Small RNA-mediated silencing of target genes can persist across generations and C. elegans is a well-established model for studying the molecular basis for epigenetic inheritance. We recently developed a piRNA-based inherited silencing assay that causes a high incidence of males by targeting him-5 and him-8. Acute gene silencing is determined in the presence of the piRNAi extra-chromosomal array and inherited silencing after loss of the piRNA trigger. This assay has the advantage of targeting endogenous genes that are easily scored in mutant backgrounds and obviates the need for mutant validation and genetic crosses, which can influence inherited silencing. Here we show an example of the assay by testing acute and inherited piRNA-mediated him-5 silencing in ribonucleotidyltransferase rde-3 (ne3370) mutant animals. In the absence of rde-3, acute silencing was reduced but still detectable, whereas inherited silencing was abolished.