RNA sequencing to identify NPR-8-regulated genes in C. elegans defense against pathogen infection

To gain molecular insights on how NPR-8 regulates C. elegans defense against pathogen infection, we used RNA sequencing to profile gene expression in npr-8(ok1439) animals relative to wild-type animals with or without P. aeruginosa infection. We found that NPR-8 suppresses the expression of genes related to cuticle structure activity including collagen genes, and lack of NPR-8-mediated suppression in npr-8(ok1439) animals contributes to their improved survival against P. aeruginosa infection. Five replicates of four groups of RNA samples (npr-8(ok1439) and wild-type animals with or without exposure to P. aeruginosa for 24 hrs) were sequenced. Gene expression was compared between groups to identify NPR-8-regulated genes under uninfection or infection conditions.