Sequencing of endogenous mRNA from Caenorhabditis elegans at two time points in the presence and absence of arsenite

Background: Arsenite is one of the most toxic chemical substances known and is assumed to exert detrimental effects on viability even at lowest concentrations. By contrast and unlike higher concentrations, we here find that exposure to low-dose arsenite promotes growth of cultured mammalian cells. In the nematode C. elegans, low-dose arsenite promotes resistance against thermal and chemical stressors, and extends lifespan of this metazoan, whereas higher concentrations reduce longevity. While arsenite causes a transient increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in C. elegans, co-exposure to ROS scavengers prevents the lifespan-extending capabilities of arsenite, indicating that transiently increased ROS levels act as transducers of arsenite effects on lifespan, a process known as mitohormesis. Worms were exposed to 100nM Arsenite 48h after L4. Jena Centre for Systems Biology of Ageing - JenAge (www.jenage.de) 8 Samples in 4 groups: 1 day H2O (2 Samples), 1 day Arsenite (2 Samples), 5 days H2O (2 Samples), 5 days Arsenite (2 Samples)