Small RNA and mRNA sequencing in mutant wago-1 C. elegans
Germ cell proliferation and proper genome inheritance are critical for maintaining fertility through generations. To promote proper germ cell development, small RNA pathways employ Argonaute proteins to modulate gene expression and protect against deleterious genomic elements while not silencing against self. Here we identify sexual dimorphisms in the mRNA and small RNA transcriptional landscape, as well as in the Argonatue WAGO-1 function of its protein structural features that affects sex-specific gene regulation during C. elegans germ cell development. We find that disruptions to WAGO-1 protein structure dynamically change the mRNA and sRNA landscape of adult males and hermaphrodites through misregulation of Agronaute proteins, ALG-3/4, WAGO-10, and VRSA-1.