RNA sequencing to identify UNC-49-regulated genes in C. elegans defense against pathogen infection

To gain molecular insights on how UNC-49 regulates C. elegans innate immunity, we used RNA sequencing to profile gene expression in unc-49(e407) animals relative to wild-type animals with or without P. aeruginosa(PA14) infection. We found that UNC-49 suppresses the expression of insulin pathway genes, and lack of UNC-49-mediated suppression in unc-49(e407) animals contributes to their improved survival against P. aeruginosa infection. Three replicates of four groups of RNA samples (unc-49(e407) and wild-type L4-stage animals with or without exposure to P. aeruginosa for 24 hrs) were sequenced. Gene expression was compared between groups to identify UNC-49-regulated genes under uninfection or infection conditions.