Whole genome sequencing of EMS-induced suppressors of tost-1 maternal-effect lethality in Caenorhabditis elegans

This study employed an unbiased forward genetic screen to identify suppressors of the maternal-effect lethal phenotype caused by tost-1 dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans. The temperature-sensitive tost-1(xf196 ts) mutant exhibits complete embryonic lethality at the restrictive temperature (25?C), providing a robust screening platform. Following EMS mutagenesis of L4 larvae, we screened F2 progeny for viable individuals at 25?C, indicating suppression of the lethal phenotype. After backcrossing to confirm heritability, we performed whole genome sequencing on 21 suppressor strains to identify causative mutations. Additionally we also sequenced the strain used for the mutagenesis as the reference genome.