The expression of Defensin C (Def) an additional Imd-dependent antimicrobial peptide encoding gene, was also significantly deregulated in both Usp34-silenced non-infected flies and at 3 hours post-infection (Additional file 2: Figure S5B,C) but then, it was strongly compromised from 6 to 9 hours following E. coli infection (Additional file 2: Figure S5C). Here, USP34 is linked to infection.