Fig 2. eif-3.K and eif-3.L are the only nonessential subunits in C. elegans, and mutants lacking these subunits do not have phenotypes associated with attenuated protein translation.

(A) Individual eIF3 subunits were knocked down for one generation by RNAi feeding at 20°C. Eggs were then laid on the normal laboratory food source E. coli OP50 and evaluated for their ability to reach the larval stage L4 or older after 72h at 20°C. Inset: Interaction diagram of eIF3 subunits based on mass spectrometry of Zhou et al. [22]. Gray subunits represent the functional core of the mammalian complex sufficient to allow for initiation in vitro by Masutani et al. [26]. (B) Progeny of eif-3.J heterozygotes were assayed for sterility and then genotyped. Number of worms scored for each genotype is indicated in parentheses. (C) Developmental time course of the indicated genotypes. Populations were synchronized by egg lay and monitored over time for their development to the L4 larval stage or older. (D) Brood size of the indicated genotypes at 20°C. Error bars represent the S.D. of 10 animals. (E) Egg-laying rate was determined by transferring worms to new E. coli plates in 12h periods, and progeny were counted following 24h incubation at 20°C. Error bars represent the S.D. of 10 animals.