The miRNA Argonaute protein, ALG-2, maintains neurobehaviors in adult C. elegans
Ava Chon
Run-Tian Jiang
Yuxuan Guo
Yamin K. Phyu
Lilly M. Goldberg
Erin C. Schiksnis
A. Pasquinelli
Sierra Palumbos
Medicine
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs essential for gene regulation in many different processes, including neuronal development. However, the role of the miRNA pathway in maintaining neuronal health throughout aging is less understood. Here, we ask how the miRNA pathway in adulthood impacts neurobehaviors in C. elegans . Argonaute-like Gene 2 ( ALG-2 ) is a protein required for the accumulation and function of certain miRNAs in C. elegans . Using the auxin-inducible degron 2 (AID2) system for temporal knockdown, we demonstrate that the miRNA Argonaute protein, ALG-2 , is required throughout adulthood to maintain two well-characterized neurobehaviors, basal slowing response and mechanosensation.