Selection of putative PEPT-1 modulators.

Twelve putative PEPT-1 modulators were preselected by significantly altered ß-Ala-Lys-AMCA uptake, while as an exception F26E4.12(RNAi) induced an increased PEPT-1 transporter activity. To further test for a pept-1(lg601)-like phenotype the body fat content (based on fat droplet diameter) and the free fatty acid uptake were additionally investigated. In case of the fat droplet diameter, a pept-1-like phenotype was considered, when the mean diameter was comparable to that measured in rrf-3;pept-1(RNAi) worms or even higher, whereas the BODIPY-C12 fatty acid uptake had to be increased when compared to rrf-3;vc(RNAi). RNAi silencing of four genes changed all three parameters in a pept-1(lg601)-like manner. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-Test. Significance to rrf-3;vc(RNAi) (*** p<0.001) and to rrf-3;pept-1(RNAi) (+p<0.05, ++p<0.01 and +++ p<0.001) is denoted.