Hello all
I’m wondering if there is something that I can RNAi that will cause sterility without affecting overall lifespan?
Thank you
Mehul
as far as i concern, i think no… because it is said that the sterility that caused by genetically would impose effect to the lifespan, including RNAi or mutant worms ( that’s why they use double mutant worms glp-4;sek1, where the sek-1 would increase the susceptibility of worms to pathogen)
however, FUdR is said to be wouldn’t affect the lifespan, but it’s chemical-induced, not genetically.
If I understand correctly, Tyrael is referring to the effect that a lack of germline will have on lifespan (i.e., it will prolong lifespan). And the specific treatment Tyrael mentions, targeting glp-4, should affect germline proliferation and cause such an effect.
But it should in theory be possible to RNAi a target required for fertilization (or, if it will work for you even though it’s not really “sterility”, a target required for embryonic viability), and these RNAi treatments shouldn’t cause germline-depletion effects on lifespan as long as they don’t affect germline proliferation.
You might also take a look at this previous, related thread.
If I understand correctly, Tyrael is referring to the effect that a lack of germline will have on lifespan (i.e., it will prolong lifespan). And the specific treatment Tyrael mentions, targeting glp-4, should affect germline proliferation and cause such an effect.
yes, agree with HillelSchwartz 
Thank you for your prompt and helpful replies. I’ll have a look at the literature to see if any lifespan defects are reported for some of the embryonic viability genes on parents.
i think we all would be grateful and glad if you would like to share any interesting findings about then lifespan soon. Thanks. 