Neuronal oversight of germline small RNAs prevents heat-induced sterility in lab-domesticated Caenorhabditis elegans

Non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) are crucial for maintaining germline developmental robustness under heat stress. Remarkably, we uncovered that neuronal sRNAs regulate germ cells’ thermotolerance, affecting both spermatogenic and oogenic germline in a cell non-autonomous manner.

Furthermore, we demonstrate that an oxygen-sensing neural circuit antagonizes germline maintenance, likely reflecting the nematode’s innate association of reduced oxygen levels with food availability and reproductive permissive environments. Finally, we provide evidence that sRNAs buffer the negative consequences of laboratory domestication, which otherwise cause the laboratory strain to lose germline integrity and become sterile at elevated temperatures.