*4.3. Lifespan and Heat Stress Assay*

Synchronized wild-type nematodes were observed and scored for their survival throughout their lifespan. The animals were counted daily from the first day of adulthood until all died. To assess the viability of the nematodes, they were first gently touched with a platinum wire at the tail and the head. If no movements were recognizable, the pharyngeal pumping was observed. The worms were considered dead when none of these movements were recognizable. The nematodes at the edge of the plate or in the depth of the agar were considered lost and excluded from the count.

The heat stress test was performed according to the lifespan protocol with the difference that nematodes at the third day of adulthood were stressed for 3 h at 37 ◦C and counting of dead and alive worms started 1 day after stress exposure.
