Expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigens induces defective gonad phenotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans

Figure 4 Features of transgenic worms expressing SHBsAgs in different tissues. A-F: Micrographs of transgenic worms expressing SHBsAgs in the pharynx (A, and B), intestinal cells (C and D), and neurons (E and F) were captured under a bright-field microscope (A, C, and E) and a fluorescence microscope (B, D, and F). The heads of the worms are shown toward the left. The scale bar indicates 200 μm; G: Gonad development in transgenic worms: The upper row is a transgenic worm expressing SHBsAg in the pharynx; the middle row is a transgenic worm expressing SHBsAg in intestinal cells; and the lower row is a transgenic worm expressing SHBsAg in neurons. Images were captured under a DIC microscope. The right column shows the gonads at 52 h post-hatching and the left column at 68 h post-hatching. The gonad contour is outlined by dotted lines and the tip (distal end) is marked by asterisk. HBsAgs: Hepatitis B virus antigens.