Expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigens induces defective gonad phenotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans

Figure 3 Reverse transcription polymerase reaction analyses of mRNA levels in various transgenic worms. The four transcripts (enpl-1, hsp-4, pdi-3, and xbp-1), ER-stress markers, from wild-type worms (N2) with or without DTT pretreatment, an ER stress inducer, and three lines of transgenic worms were analyzed using RT-PCR and gel-electrophoresis. The transcript of the translation factor (eft-2) served as a loading control. N2 worms treated with and without DTT and transgenic worms are indicated above the gel. DTT-treated worms severed as positive controls of ER-stress responses. DTT: Dithiothreitol; RT-PCR: Reverse transcription polymerase reaction.