Translational suppression via IFG-1/eIF4G inhibits stress-induced RNA alternative splicing in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Splicing of precursor mRNA is an essential process for dividing cells, and splicing defects have been linked to aging and various chronic diseases. Environmental stress has recently been shown to modify alternative splicing, and molecular mechanisms that influence stress-induced alternative splicing remain unclear. Using an in vivo RNA splicing reporter, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in Caenorhabditis elegans and found that protein translation suppression via silencing of the conserved eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (IFG-1/eIF4G) inhibits cadmium-induced alternative splicing.

Molecular characterization of ethyl carbamate toxicity in .

Ethyl carbamate is a common contaminant prevalent in fermented food with probable carcinogenic effects in animals. To date, other toxicological properties of ethyl carbamate are not well characterized. Using the genetic model , we found that chronic exposure to ethyl carbamate during larval development impedes growth while exposure during adulthood inhibits reproduction, shortens lifespan, and promotes degeneration to dopaminergic neurons.