The miRNA Argonaute protein, ALG-2, maintains neurobehaviors in adult C. elegans.

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.