The hypomorphic allele
nhr-25(
ku217) was used to sensitize animals to RNAi of
nhr-25. Sets of larvae were repeatedly monitored for expression of GFP over an 8 hour time period encompassing the L4-to-adult molt. The mid L4-stage larvae selected for this experiment were active at the start, but became lethargic and attempted to shed the L4-stage cuticle by the end. Only 40% (n=49) of
nhr-25(
ku217RNAi) animals expressed the GFP reporter during this time, compared to 100% (n=22) of control animals. Moreover, the fluorescence associated with GFP was dim and ephemeral in
nhr-25(
ku217RNAi) mutants, compared to wild-type animals. RNAi of
nhr-25 also greatly reduced the abundance of
mlt-10 messages in late L4 larvae, as indicated by RT-PCR.