IP 3 signalling regulates exogenous RNA i in C aenorhabditis elegans

RNA interference ( RNA i) is a widespread and widely exploited phenomenon. Here, we show that changing inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate ( IP 3 ) signalling alters RNA i sensitivity in C aenorhabditis elegans . Reducing IP 3 signalling enhances sensitivity to RNA i in a broad range of genes and tissues. Conversely up‐regulating IP 3 signalling decreases sensitivity. Tissue‐specific rescue experiments suggest IP 3 functions in the intestine. We also exploit IP 3 signalling mutants to further enhance the sensitivity of RNA i hypersensitive strains. These results demonstrate that conserved cell signalling pathways can modify RNA i responses, implying that RNA i responses may be influenced by an animal's physiology or environment.