DNA and RNA preparation

Genomic DNA samples were extracted from mixed stages of C. elegans or L3s of H. contortus using the EasyPure Genomics DNA Kit (TransGen Biotech, China). Total RNA samples were isolated separately from egg, L1, L2, iL3, female and male fourth-stage larvae (L4s), and female and male adult stages of H. contortus using the TRIzol Plus Purification kit (Life Technologies, USA). RNA yields and quality were verified by spectrophotometric (NanoDrop Technologies) and by electrophoretic analysis, respectively. RNA was treated with RQ1-RNase-Free DNase (Promega, USA). Following isolation, nucleic acid samples were immediately frozen and stored at −80 °C.