Fig. 2

Accessibility and distribution of TAM-FLP-34-1 and TAM-scrFLP-34-1 in the heads of wild-type nematodes. A, B Representative fluorescence microscopy images of intact wild-type nematodes (L4 + 1 day) incubated for 10 min with a tetramethylrhodamine (TAM)-labeled version of the natural NPR-11 ligand, FLP-34-1 (5 μM) (A), and its corresponding scrambled (scr) version, TAM-scrFLP-34-1 (5 μM) (B). Fluorescence of both peptides in intact worms is only visible within the lumen of the pharynx (left: brightfield, right: fluorescence channel). C TAM-labeled FLP-34-1 in worms with incisions shows a specific pattern of distribution, such as in the pseudocoelom (white arrows). D The corresponding scrambled (scr) version TAM-scrFLP-34-1 spreads evenly, but does not accumulate at certain cells or structures. Please note that the integrity of the worms in C and D is damaged due to the procedure influencing the morphology of the structure. Scale bars = 50 μm. n = 4 (N ≥ 8) with 76% of the investigated worms showing the depicted pattern