The microRNA directs poly(UG) modification of a somatic mRNA in .

RDE-3 adds poly UG tails to mRNAs targeted for silencing by the dsRNA-initiated RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. RDE-3 can also add p(UG) tails to some endogenous cellular mRNAs. Mechanisms directing RDE-3 to pUGylate specific mRNAs are not understood.

Viral RNA pUGylation Promotes Antiviral Immunity in .

RNA interference (RNAi) is a component of the innate immune systems of many eukaryotes, including . During RNAi in , the nucleotidyltransferase RDE-3 modifies the 3' termini of mRNAs with polyUG (pUG) tails, which recruit RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRP) enzymes that drive gene silencing by synthesizing antisense small interfering (si)RNAs. During normal growth and development, RDE-3 pUGylates transposon RNAs to silence transposons and protect genomic integrity.

Unconventional translation initiation factor EIF2A is required for Drosophila spermatogenesis.

Background: EIF2A is an unconventional translation factor required for initiation of protein synthesis from non-AUG codons from a variety of transcripts, including oncogenes and stress related transcripts in mammalian cells. Its function in multicellular organisms has not been reported.

Results: Here, we identify and characterize mutant alleles of the CG7414 gene, which encodes the Drosophila EIF2A ortholog.