Effect of exposing worms to FUDR on gene expression at the L4 stage

FUDR is a well-studied anti-cancer agent. It is known to inhibit the enzyme thymidylate synthetase, which ultimately interferes with DNA synthesis. In C. elegans, FUDR is used in longevity experiments to induce sterility and avoid transferring worms often. The effect of FUDR on the lifespan of wild-type worms is negligible, however certain genotypes show an extension of lifespan when exposed to FUDR. The mechanisms behind this phenomenon is unclear whether FUDR acts on DNA or RNA. Our data provides the gene expression profile characteristic of wild-type worms exposed to FUDR in comparison to worms grown on regular OP50-seeded plates. Overall design: To investigate the transcriptional changes that occur when worms are exposed to 50µM FUDR compared to worms on regular OP50-seeded plates. We then performed RNA-seq on whole worms at the L4 stage in triplicate.