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Lee EB, Xing MM, Kim DK. Lifespan-extending and stress resistance properties of brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Arch Pharm Res 2017; 40:825-835. [PMID: 28667441 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-017-0920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study contributes to the continual discovery of lifespan-extending compounds from plants, using the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. An ethyl acetate soluble fraction of methanol extract from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan showed a significant lifespan-extending activity. Subsequent activity-guided chromatography of the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction led to the isolation of brazilin. Brazilin showed potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and superoxide anion quenching activities and also revealed a lifespan-extending activity in C. elegans under normal culture conditions. Brazilin also exhibited the protective effects against thermal, oxidative and osmotic stress conditions to improve the survival rate of the nematode. Furthermore, brazilin elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation in C. elegans. Further studies showed that brazilin-mediated increased stress tolerance of worms could be due to increased expressions of stress resistance proteins such as heat shock protein (HSP-16.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD-3). Besides, there were no significant, brazilin-induced changes in aging-related factors, including progeny production, food intake, and growth, indicating brazilin influences longevity activity independent of affecting these factors. Brazilin increased the body movement of aged worms, indicating brazilin affects the healthspan and lifespan of nematode. These results suggest that brazilin contributes to the lifespan of C. elegans under both normal and stress conditions by increasing the expressions of stress resistance proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Byeol Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju, 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming Ming Xing
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju, 55338, Republic of Korea.,College of Materials and Chemistry Engineering, Tongren University, Guizhou, 554300, China
| | - Dae Keun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju, 55338, Republic of Korea.
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Evolutionarily conserved TRH neuropeptide pathway regulates growth in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4065-E4074. [PMID: 28461507 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617392114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a highly conserved neuropeptide that exerts the hormonal control of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels as well as neuromodulatory functions. However, a functional equivalent in protostomian animals remains unknown, although TRH receptors are conserved in proto- and deuterostomians. Here we identify a TRH-like neuropeptide precursor in Caenorhabditis elegans that belongs to a bilaterian family of TRH precursors. Using CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi reverse genetics, we show that TRH-like neuropeptides, through the activation of their receptor TRHR-1, promote growth in Celegans TRH-like peptides from pharyngeal motor neurons are required for normal body size, and knockdown of their receptor in pharyngeal muscle cells reduces growth. Mutants deficient for TRH signaling have no defects in pharyngeal pumping or isthmus peristalsis rates, but their growth defect depends on the bacterial diet. In addition to the decrease in growth, trh-1 mutants have a reduced number of offspring. Our study suggests that TRH is an evolutionarily ancient neuropeptide, having its origin before the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes, and may ancestrally have been involved in the control of postembryonic growth and reproduction.
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The Annona muricata leaf ethanol extract affects mobility and reproduction in mutant strain NB327 Caenorhabditis elegans. Biochem Biophys Rep 2017; 10:282-286. [PMID: 28955756 PMCID: PMC5614673 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The C. elegans NB327 mutant strain is characterized for the knockdown of the dic-1 gene. The dic-1 gene is homologous to the dice-1 gene in humans, encoding the protein DICE-1 as a tumor suppressor. Absence or under-regulation of the dice-1 gene can be reflected in lung and prostate cancer [17], [18]. This study evaluated the effect of EEAML on the C. elegans NB327 mutant strain. Phenotypic aspects such as morphology, body length, locomotion, and reproductive behaviour were analyzed. It is important to emphasize that the strain presents a phenotype characteristic with respect to egg laying and hatching. Reported studies showed that Annona muricata extract and its active components evidence anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects, through experimentation in vivo and in vitro models. However, neurotoxicity has been reported as a side effect. The results showed that the mutant strain NB327 was exposed to EEAML (5 mg/ml) concentration, it showed a significant decrease in average locomotion, resulting in 13 undulations in 30 s. This contrasts with the control strain's 17.5 undulations in 30 s. Similarly, the number of progenies was reduced from 188 progenies (control strain) to 114 and 92 progenies at the dose of (1 mg/ml and 5 mg/m) EEAML. The results of this study suggest that EEAML has a possible neurotoxic effect in concentrations equal to or greater than 5 mg/ml. Also, it does not have positive effects on the mutant strain of Caenorhabditis elegans NB327 phenotype.
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Ding H, Shi H, Shi Y, Guo X, Zheng X, Chen X, Zhou Q, Yang Y, Du A. Characterization and function analysis of a novel gene, Hc-maoc-1, in the parasitic nematode Haemonochus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:67. [PMID: 28166831 PMCID: PMC5294872 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enoyl-CoA hydratase (MAOC) is required for the biosynthesis of the fatty acid-derive side chains of the ascaroside via peroxisome β-oxidation in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The derivative of dideoxy-sugar, ascarylose is used as dauer pheromones or daumones to induce development of the stress-resistant dauer larvae stage. METHODS Hc-maoc-1 gene was obtained by searching the Wellcome Trusts Sanger Institute's H. contortus genomic database. qRT-PCR was performed to analyse the transcriptional levels of Hc-maoc-1 with different developmental stages as templates. IFA was carried out to determine the expression pattern in L3 larvae and micro-injection was used to verify the promoter activity of 5'-flanking region of Hc-maoc-1. Overexpression and RNAi experiments were applied in N2 strain to ascertain the gene function of Hc-maoc-1. RESULTS The full-length cDNA of Hc-maoc-1 was 900 bp in length, which contained eight exons separated by seven introns and possessed the Hotdog domain and the MaoC-like domain, together with several other residues and a hydratase 2 motif. It was transcribed throughout the lifecycle and peaked in the fourth-stage larvae (L4) of H. contortus; however, its transcription level decreased in diapausing L4. The protein expression and location of Hc-MAOC-1 were mainly in the intestine of L3 larvae. Overexpression of Ce-maoc-1 and Hc-maoc-1 in C. elegans showed extended lifespan and increased body size. The protein Ce-MAOC-1 and Hc-MAOC-1 were localized in the intestine with a punctate pattern. In C. elegans, knockdown of Ce-maoc-1 conferred shortened lifespan and body lengths, decreased brood size and increased lipid storage. CONCLUSION Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a model organism to ascertain the function of Hc-maoc-1 in H. contortus. Our results showed the similar characteristics and functions with Ce-maoc-1 and provided evidences of the potential functions of Hc-maoc-1 in biosynthesis of daumones in H. contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Ding
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hengzhi Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yu Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaolu Guo
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiuping Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qianjin Zhou
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Guo X, Zhang H, Zheng X, Zhou Q, Yang Y, Chen X, Du A. Structural and functional characterization of a novel gene, Hc-daf-22, from the strongylid nematode Haemonchus contortus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:422. [PMID: 27472920 PMCID: PMC4966567 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1704-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The strongylid nematode Haemonchus contortus is a parasite of major concern for modern livestock husbandry because hostile environmental conditions may induce diapause in the early fourth-stage larvae. METHODS A new gene Hc-daf-22 was identified which is the homologue of Ce-daf-22 and human SCPx. Genome walking and RACE were performed to obtain the whole cDNA and genomic sequence of this gene. Using qRT-PCR with all developmental stages as templates to explore the transcription level and micro-injection was applied to confirm the promoter activity of the 5'-flanking region. Overexpression, rescue and RNA interference experiments were performed in N2, daf-22 mutant (ok 693) strains of C. elegans to study the gene function of Hc-daf-22. RESULTS The full length gene of Hc-daf-22 (6,939 bp) contained 16 exons separated by 15 introns, and encoded a cDNA of 1,602 bp (533 amino acids, estimated at about 59.3 kDa) with a peak in L3 and L4 in transcriptional level. The Hc-DAF-22 protein was consisted of a 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase domain and a SCP2 domain and evolutionarily conserved. The 1,548 bp fragment upstream of the 5'-flanking region was confirmed to have promoter activity compared with 5'-flanking region of Ce-daf-22. The rescue experiment by micro-injection of daf-22 (ok693) mutant strain showed significant increase in body size and brood size in the rescued worms with significantly reduced or completely absent fat granules confirmed by Oil red O staining, indicating that Hc-daf-22 could partially rescue the function of Ce-daf-22. Furthermore, RNAi with Hc-daf-22 could partially silence the endogenous Ce-daf-22 in N2 worms and mimic the phenotype of daf-22 (ok693) mutants. CONCLUSION The gene Hc-daf-22 was isolated and its function identified using C. elegans as a model organism. Our results indicate that Hc-daf-22 shared similar characteristics and function with Ce-daf-22 and may play an important role in peroxisomal β-oxidation and the development in H. contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Guo
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Hongli Zhang
- Zhejiang Center of Animal Disease Control, Hangzhou, 310020 China
| | - Xiuping Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Qianjin Zhou
- Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211 China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
- Present address: Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058 China
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Gelino S, Chang JT, Kumsta C, She X, Davis A, Nguyen C, Panowski S, Hansen M. Intestinal Autophagy Improves Healthspan and Longevity in C. elegans during Dietary Restriction. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006135. [PMID: 27414651 PMCID: PMC4945006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) is a dietary regimen that extends lifespan in many organisms. One mechanism contributing to the conserved effect of DR on longevity is the cellular recycling process autophagy, which is induced in response to nutrient scarcity and increases sequestration of cytosolic material into double-membrane autophagosomes for degradation in the lysosome. Although autophagy plays a direct role in DR-mediated lifespan extension in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the contribution of autophagy in individual tissues remains unclear. In this study, we show a critical role for autophagy in the intestine, a major metabolic tissue, to ensure lifespan extension of dietary-restricted eat-2 mutants. The intestine of eat-2 mutants has an enlarged lysosomal compartment and flux assays indicate increased turnover of autophagosomes, consistent with an induction of autophagy in this tissue. This increase in intestinal autophagy may underlie the improved intestinal integrity we observe in eat-2 mutants, since whole-body and intestinal-specific inhibition of autophagy in eat-2 mutants greatly impairs the intestinal barrier function. Interestingly, intestinal-specific inhibition of autophagy in eat-2 mutants leads to a decrease in motility with age, alluding to a potential cell non-autonomous role for autophagy in the intestine. Collectively, these results highlight important functions for autophagy in the intestine of dietary-restricted C. elegans. Dietary restriction (DR) without inducing malnutrition has robust beneficial effects on lifespan in many species, including humans. The cellular recycling process of autophagy contributes to DR-mediated longevity. Autophagy is triggered by nutrient scarcity and increases the degradation of cytosolic molecules and organelles in the lysosomes. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, we previously showed that genes involved in autophagy are required for lifespan extension through DR; however, it is not clear whether autophagy in individual tissues plays critical roles in DR-mediated longevity. Here, we investigated the contribution of autophagy in genetically dietary-restricted eat-2 mutants. Our major findings include: (i) Inhibition of autophagy in the intestine prevents the long lifespan observed in eat-2 mutants; (ii) the intestine of eat-2 mutants contains an expanded lysosomal compartment and flux assays indicate increased autophagosome turnover, consistent with elevated autophagy in this tissue; (iii) intestinal autophagy is required for the improved intestinal integrity observed in eat-2 mutants; (iv) autophagy inhibition impairs motility in older animals; and (v) inhibition of autophagy in the intestine accelerates the motility decline in eat-2 mutants. Collectively, these studies suggest a critical role for intestinal autophagy in dietary-restricted animals, and highlight the importance of this process in maintaining fitness and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gelino
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica T. Chang
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Caroline Kumsta
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Xingyu She
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Davis
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Christian Nguyen
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Siler Panowski
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Glenn Center for Aging Research, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Malene Hansen
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Fang B, Zhang M, Ren FZ, Zhou XD. Lifelong diet including common unsaturated fatty acids extends the lifespan and affects oxidation in
Caenorhabditis elegans
consistently with hormesis model. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201500237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Fang
- Academy of State Administration of GrainBeijingP. R. China
- Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and SafetyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingP. R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Food Science and Chemical EngineeringBeijing Technology and Business UniversityBeijingP. R. China
| | - Fa Zheng Ren
- Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and SafetyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, College of Food Science and Nutritional EngineeringChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiao Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, College of Food Science and Nutritional EngineeringChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingP. R. China
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Dopamine regulates body size in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Biol 2016; 412:128-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Im JS, Lee HN, Oh JW, Yoon YJ, Park JS, Park JW, Kim JH, Kim YS, Cha DS, Jeon H. Moringa oleiferaProlongs Lifespan via DAF-16/FOXO Transcriptional Factor inCaenorhabditis elegans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.20307/nps.2016.22.3.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sang Im
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Ha Na Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Jong Woo Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Young Jin Yoon
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Jin Suck Park
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Ji Won Park
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Jung Hoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Yong Sung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Dong Seok Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
| | - Hoon Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonbuk 55338, Korea
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Lee EB, Kim JH, Cha YS, Kim M, Song SB, Cha DS, Jeon H, Eun JS, Han S, Kim DK. Lifespan Extending and Stress Resistant Properties of Vitexin from Vigna angularis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:582-9. [PMID: 26535084 PMCID: PMC4624075 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2015.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Several theories emphasize that aging is closely related to oxidative stress and disease. The formation of excess ROS can lead to DNA damage and the acceleration of aging. Vigna angularis is one of the important medicinal plants in Korea. We isolated vitexin from V. angularis and elucidated the lifespan-extending effect of vitexin using the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Vitexin showed potent lifespan extensive activity and it elevated the survival rates of nematodes against the stressful environments including heat and oxidative conditions. In addition, our results showed that vitexin was able to elevate antioxidant enzyme activities of worms and reduce intracellular ROS accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. These studies demonstrated that the increased stress tolerance of vitexin-mediated nematode could be attributed to increased expressions of stress resistance proteins such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) and heat shock protein (HSP-16.2). In this work, we also studied whether vitexin-mediated longevity activity was associated with aging-related factors such as progeny, food intake, growth and movement. The data revealed that these factors were not affected by vitexin treatment except movement. Vitexin treatment improved the body movement of aged nematode, suggesting vitexin affects healthspan as well as lifespan of nematode. These results suggest that vitexin might be a probable candidate which could extend the human lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Byeol Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Soo Cha
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Kim
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Seuk Bo Song
- Department of Functional Crop, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Miryang 50424, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Seok Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Soon Eun
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooncheon Han
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Keun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 55338, Republic of Korea
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Wen H, Yu Y, Zhu G, Jiang L, Qin J. A droplet microchip with substance exchange capability for the developmental study of C. elegans. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:1905-11. [PMID: 25715864 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc01377h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been widely used as a multicellular organism in developmental research due to its simplicity, short lifecycle, and its relevance to human genetics and biology. Droplet microfluidics is an attractive platform for the study of C. elegans in integrated mode with flexibility at the single animal resolution. However, it is still challenging to conduct the developmental study of worms within droplets initiating at the L1 larval stage, due to the small size, active movement, and the difficulty in achieving effective substance exchange within the droplets. Here, we present a multifunctional droplet microchip to address these issues and demonstrate the usefulness of this device for investigating post-embryonic development in individual C. elegans initiating at the larval L1 stage. The key components of this device consist of multiple functional units that enable parallel worm loading, droplet formation/trapping, and worm encapsulation in parallel. In particular, it exhibits superior functions in encapsulating and trapping individual larval L1 worms into droplets in a controlled way. Continuous food addition and expulsion of waste by mixing the static worm-in-droplet with moving medium plugs allows for the long-term culture of worms under a variety of conditions. We used this device to investigate the development processes of C. elegans in transgenic strains with deletion and overexpression of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1), a highly conserved transcript factor in regulating an organism's response to hypoxia. This microdevice may be a useful tool for the high throughput analysis of individual worms starting at the larval stage, and facilitates the study of developmental worms in response to multiple drugs or environmental toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
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Measuring Food Intake and Nutrient Absorption in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2015; 200:443-54. [PMID: 25903497 PMCID: PMC4492371 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.175851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditiselegans has emerged as a powerful model to study the genetics of feeding, food-related behaviors, and metabolism. Despite the many advantages of C. elegans as a model organism, direct measurement of its bacterial food intake remains challenging. Here, we describe two complementary methods that measure the food intake of C. elegans. The first method is a microtiter plate-based bacterial clearing assay that measures food intake by quantifying the change in the optical density of bacteria over time. The second method, termed pulse feeding, measures the absorption of food by tracking de novo protein synthesis using a novel metabolic pulse-labeling strategy. Using the bacterial clearance assay, we compare the bacterial food intake of various C. elegans strains and show that long-lived eat mutants eat substantially more than previous estimates. To demonstrate the applicability of the pulse-feeding assay, we compare the assimilation of food for two C. elegans strains in response to serotonin. We show that serotonin-increased feeding leads to increased protein synthesis in a SER-7-dependent manner, including proteins known to promote aging. Protein content in the food has recently emerged as critical factor in determining how food composition affects aging and health. The pulse-feeding assay, by measuring de novo protein synthesis, represents an ideal method to unequivocally establish how the composition of food dictates protein synthesis. In combination, these two assays provide new and powerful tools for C. elegans research to investigate feeding and how food intake affects the proteome and thus the physiology and health of an organism.
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Baberschke N, Steinberg CEW, Saul N. Low concentrations of dibromoacetic acid and N-nitrosodimethylamine induce several stimulatory effects in the invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 124:122-128. [PMID: 25556763 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Dibromoacetic acid (DBAA) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) have natural and anthropogenic sources and are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. They are classified as toxic and carcinogenetic and various studies have addressed their effects on vertebrates. Furthermore, there is no information about the whole-organism effects at low concentrations or about their impact on invertebrates. Therefore, these compounds were studied with the model invertebrate Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) at relatively low concentrations. Biological tests (life span, reproduction, body size, thermal stress resistance) as well as biochemical (pro- and antioxidative capacity and lipid peroxidation) and biomolecular assays (transcription of stress genes) were performed. None of the applied concentrations showed a toxic potential. Instead, they extended life span and increased the body length. Both xenobiotics did not cause oxidative stress or DNA damages, or acted as endocrine disruptors. The stimulatory effects on C. elegans were most likely not a result of an induced protective stress response. Instead, an 'energy saving mode', indicated by the reduced transcription of many stress response genes, could have provided additional resources for longevity and growth. Although both substances are potentially toxic at higher doses, the present study underlines the importance of testing lower concentrations and their impact on invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Baberschke
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Biology, Freshwater and Stress Ecology, Späthstr. 80/81, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian E W Steinberg
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Biology, Freshwater and Stress Ecology, Späthstr. 80/81, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Nadine Saul
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Biology, Freshwater and Stress Ecology, Späthstr. 80/81, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
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Catalpol Modulates Lifespan via DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf2 Activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:524878. [PMID: 25821490 PMCID: PMC4363898 DOI: 10.1155/2015/524878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Catalpol is an effective component of rehmannia root and known to possess various pharmacological properties. The present study was aimed at investigating the potential effects of catalpol on the lifespan and stress tolerance using C. elegans model system. Herein, catalpol showed potent lifespan extension of wild-type nematode under normal culture condition. In addition, survival rate of catalpol-fed nematodes was significantly elevated compared to untreated control under heat and oxidative stress but not under hyperosmolality conditions. We also found that elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and expressions of stress resistance proteins were attributed to catalpol-mediated increased stress tolerance of nematode. We further investigated whether catalpol's longevity effect is related to aging-related factors including reproduction, food intake, and growth. Interestingly, catalpol exposure could attenuate pharyngeal pumping rate, indicating that catalpol may induce dietary restriction of nematode. Moreover, locomotory ability of aged nematode was significantly improved by catalpol treatment, while lipofuscin levels were attenuated, suggesting that catalpol may affect age-associated changes of nematode. Our mechanistic studies revealed that mek-1, daf-2, age-1, daf-16, and skn-1 are involved in catalpol-mediated longevity. These results indicate that catalpol extends lifespan and increases stress tolerance of C. elegans via DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf activation dependent on insulin/IGF signaling and JNK signaling.
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Lee EB, Ahn D, Kim BJ, Lee SY, Seo HW, Cha YS, Jeon H, Eun JS, Cha DS, Kim DK. Genistein from Vigna angularis Extends Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:77-83. [PMID: 25593647 PMCID: PMC4286753 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The seed of Vigna angularis has long been cultivated as a food or a folk medicine in East Asia. Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), a dietary phytoestrogen present in this plant, has been known to possess various biological properties. In this study, we investigated the possible lifespan-extending effects of genistein using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. We found that the lifespan of nematode was significantly prolonged in the presence of genistein under normal culture condition. In addition, genistein elevated the survival rate of nematode against stressful environment including heat and oxidative conditions. Further studies demonstrated that genistein-mediated increased stress tolerance of nematode could be attributed to enhanced expressions of stress resistance proteins such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-3) and heat shock protein (HSP-16.2). Moreover, we failed to find genistein-induced significant change in aging-related factors including reproduction, food intake, and growth, indicating genistein exerts longevity activity independent of affecting these factors. Genistein treatment also led to an up-regulation of locomotory ability of aged nematode, suggesting genistein affects healthspan as well as lifespan of nematode. Our results represent that genistein has beneficial effects on the lifespan of C. elegans under both of normal and stress condition via elevating expressions of stress resistance proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Byeol Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Dalrae Ahn
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Ban Ji Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - So Yeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Hyun Won Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Youn-Soo Cha
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Jae Soon Eun
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Dong Seok Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
| | - Dae Keun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Jeonju 565-701
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Dineen A, Gaudet J. TGF-β signaling can act from multiple tissues to regulate C. elegans body size. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 14:43. [PMID: 25480452 PMCID: PMC4278669 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-014-0043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Regulation of organ and body size is a fundamental biological phenomenon, requiring tight coordination between multiple tissues to ensure accurate proportional growth. In C. elegans, a TGF-β pathway is the major regulator of body size and also plays a role in the development of the male tail, and is thus referred to as the TGF-β/Sma/Mab (for small and male abnormal) pathway. Mutations in components of this pathway result in decreased growth of animals during larval stages, with Sma mutant adults of the core pathway as small as ~60-70% the length of normal animals. The currently accepted model suggests that TGF-β/Sma/Mab pathway signaling in the C. elegans hypodermis is both necessary and sufficient to control body length. However, components of this signaling pathway are expressed in other organs, such as the intestine and pharynx, raising the question of what the function of the pathway is in these organs. Results Here we show that TGF-β/Sma/Mab signaling is required for the normal growth of the pharynx. We further extend the current model and show that the TGF-β/Sma/Mab pathway can function in multiple tissues to regulate body and organ length. Specifically, we find that pharyngeal expression of the SMAD protein SMA-3 partially rescues both pharynx length and body length of sma-3 mutants. Conclusions Overall, our results support a model in which the TGF-β/Sma/Mab signaling pathway can act in multiple tissues, activating one or more downstream secreted signals that act non cell-autonomously to regulate overall body length in C. elegans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-014-0043-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Dineen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4 N1, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Jeb Gaudet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4 N1, Alberta, Canada.
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Yan B, Guo X, Zhou Q, Yang Y, Chen X, Sun W, Du A. Hc-fau, a novel gene regulating diapause in the nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:775-86. [PMID: 25058511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Diapause induced in the early fourth stage of Haemonchus contortus is a strategy to adapt this nematode to hostile environmental conditions. In this study, we identified a new gene, Hc-fau, a homologue of human fau and Caenorhabditis elegans Ce-rps30. Hc-fau encodes two proteins through alternative RNA splicing, Hc-FAUA and Hc-FAUB, consisting of 130 and 107 amino acids, respectively. Hc-FAU possesses a diverged ubiquitin-like (UBiL) protein domain and a conserved ribosome protein S30 domain. The protein is ubiquitously expressed, except in the gonad. However Hc-fau transcripts decrease significantly in diapausing L4s of H. contortus. In C. elegans, knockdown of Ce-rps30 confers an extended lifespan, increased lipid storage in the intestine and shortened body length. These morphological characteristics are comparable with dauer larvae of C. elegans, in which the gonad is condensed considerably. In contrast, a shortened lifespan is observed in C. elegans over-expressing Hc-faua, and especially Hc-faub, with hatching failure detected. The genes of insulin/IGF-1 signalling (IIS), TGF-β, cGMP, dafachronic acid (DA), apoptosis (AP) and fatty acids (FA) metabolism are all down-regulated in Ce-rps30RNAi (RNA interference) worms, except for akt-1 and daf-16. However, daf-16 up-regulation is inconsistent with its target gene down-regulation and the result from a heat stress assay in these worms. Daf-16 RNAi conducted in Ce-rps30 (tm6034/nt1) mutants failed to rescue the worms. The S30 domain stays in the nucleus, while UBiL accumulates in the cytoplasm. Compared with Hc-FAUA, results of UBiL domain and S30 domain over-expression indicate synergism between UBiL and S30 in regulating lifespan and reproduction. These results suggest the potential functions of Hc-fau in regulating larval diapause in H.contortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolong Yan
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaolu Guo
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qianjin Zhou
- School of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Aifang Du
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Kim DK, Jeon H, Cha DS. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid-mediated lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Funct Foods 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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Jung SK, Aleman-Meza B, Riepe C, Zhong W. QuantWorm: a comprehensive software package for Caenorhabditis elegans phenotypic assays. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84830. [PMID: 24416295 PMCID: PMC3885606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic assays are crucial in genetics; however, traditional methods that rely on human observation are unsuitable for quantitative, large-scale experiments. Furthermore, there is an increasing need for comprehensive analyses of multiple phenotypes to provide multidimensional information. Here we developed an automated, high-throughput computer imaging system for quantifying multiple Caenorhabditis elegans phenotypes. Our imaging system is composed of a microscope equipped with a digital camera and a motorized stage connected to a computer running the QuantWorm software package. Currently, the software package contains one data acquisition module and four image analysis programs: WormLifespan, WormLocomotion, WormLength, and WormEgg. The data acquisition module collects images and videos. The WormLifespan software counts the number of moving worms by using two time-lapse images; the WormLocomotion software computes the velocity of moving worms; the WormLength software measures worm body size; and the WormEgg software counts the number of eggs. To evaluate the performance of our software, we compared the results of our software with manual measurements. We then demonstrated the application of the QuantWorm software in a drug assay and a genetic assay. Overall, the QuantWorm software provided accurate measurements at a high speed. Software source code, executable programs, and sample images are available at www.quantworm.org. Our software package has several advantages over current imaging systems for C. elegans. It is an all-in-one package for quantifying multiple phenotypes. The QuantWorm software is written in Java and its source code is freely available, so it does not require use of commercial software or libraries. It can be run on multiple platforms and easily customized to cope with new methods and requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Kyu Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Boanerges Aleman-Meza
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Celeste Riepe
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Rousakis A, Vlassis A, Vlanti A, Patera S, Thireos G, Syntichaki P. The general control nonderepressible-2 kinase mediates stress response and longevity induced by target of rapamycin inactivation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell 2013; 12:742-51. [PMID: 23692540 PMCID: PMC4225475 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) kinase is a nutrient-sensing pathway that responds to amino acids deficiency and induces a genetic program to effectively maintain cellular homeostasis. Here we established the conserved role of Caenorhabditis elegans GCN-2 under amino acid limitation as a translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) kinase. Using a combination of genetic and molecular approaches, we showed that GCN-2 kinase activity plays a central role in survival under nutrient stress and mediates lifespan extension conferred by dietary restriction (DR) or inhibition of the major nutrient-sensing pathway, the target of rapamycin (TOR). We also demonstrated that the GCN-2 and TOR signaling pathways converge on the PHA-4/FoxA transcription factor and its downstream target genes to ensure survival of the whole organism under a multitude of stress conditions, such as nutrient scarcity or environmental stresses. This is one step forward in the understanding of evolutionary conserved mechanisms that confer longevity and healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Rousakis
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Center of Basic Research II Athens 11527 Greece
- School of Medicine University of Athens Athens 11527 Greece
| | - Arsenios Vlassis
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Center of Basic Research II Athens 11527 Greece
- Faculty of Biology University of Athens Athens 15701 Greece
| | - Anna Vlanti
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Center of Basic Research II Athens 11527 Greece
| | - Stefania Patera
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Center of Basic Research II Athens 11527 Greece
- School of Medicine University of Athens Athens 11527 Greece
| | - George Thireos
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Center of Basic Research II Athens 11527 Greece
| | - Popi Syntichaki
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Center of Basic Research II Athens 11527 Greece
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71
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Aris JP, Alvers AL, Ferraiuolo RA, Fishwick LK, Hanvivatpong A, Hu D, Kirlew C, Leonard MT, Losin KJ, Marraffini M, Seo AY, Swanberg V, Westcott JL, Wood MS, Leeuwenburgh C, Dunn WA. Autophagy and leucine promote chronological longevity and respiration proficiency during calorie restriction in yeast. Exp Gerontol 2013; 48:1107-19. [PMID: 23337777 PMCID: PMC3728276 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that autophagy is required for chronological longevity in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we examine the requirements for autophagy during extension of chronological life span (CLS) by calorie restriction (CR). We find that autophagy is upregulated by two CR interventions that extend CLS: water wash CR and low glucose CR. Autophagy is required for full extension of CLS during water wash CR under all growth conditions tested. In contrast, autophagy was not uniformly required for full extension of CLS during low glucose CR, depending on the atg allele and strain genetic background. Leucine status influenced CLS during CR. Eliminating the leucine requirement in yeast strains or adding supplemental leucine to growth media extended CLS during CR. In addition, we observed that both water wash and low glucose CR promote mitochondrial respiration proficiency during aging of autophagy-deficient yeast. In general, the extension of CLS by water wash or low glucose CR was inversely related to respiration deficiency in autophagy-deficient cells. Also, autophagy is required for full extension of CLS under non-CR conditions in buffered media, suggesting that extension of CLS during CR is not solely due to reduced medium acidity. Thus, our findings show that autophagy is: (1) induced by CR, (2) required for full extension of CLS by CR in most cases (depending on atg allele, strain, and leucine availability) and, (3) promotes mitochondrial respiration proficiency during aging under CR conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Aris
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Health Science Center, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610-0235, United States.
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72
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Depuydt G, Xie F, Petyuk VA, Shanmugam N, Smolders A, Dhondt I, Brewer HM, Camp DG, Smith RD, Braeckman BP. Reduced insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling and dietary restriction inhibit translation but preserve muscle mass in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mol Cell Proteomics 2013; 12:3624-39. [PMID: 24002365 PMCID: PMC3861712 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.027383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced signaling through the C. elegans insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1-like tyrosine kinase receptor daf-2 and dietary restriction via bacterial dilution are two well-characterized lifespan-extending interventions that operate in parallel or through (partially) independent mechanisms. Using accurate mass and time tag LC-MS/MS quantitative proteomics, we detected that the abundance of a large number of ribosomal subunits is decreased in response to dietary restriction, as well as in the daf-2(e1370) insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1-receptor mutant. In addition, general protein synthesis levels in these long-lived worms are repressed. Surprisingly, ribosomal transcript levels were not correlated to actual protein abundance, suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation determines ribosome content. Proteomics also revealed the increased presence of many structural muscle cell components in long-lived worms, which appeared to result from the prioritized preservation of muscle cell volume in nutrient-poor conditions or low insulin-like signaling. Activation of DAF-16, but not diet restriction, stimulates mRNA expression of muscle-related genes to prevent muscle atrophy. Important daf-2-specific proteome changes include overexpression of aerobic metabolism enzymes and general activation of stress-responsive and immune defense systems, whereas the increased abundance of many protein subunits of the proteasome core complex is a dietary-restriction-specific characteristic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Depuydt
- Biology Department, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86 N1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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73
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A negative-feedback loop between the detoxification/antioxidant response factor SKN-1 and its repressor WDR-23 matches organism needs with environmental conditions. Mol Cell Biol 2013; 33:3524-37. [PMID: 23836880 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00245-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative-feedback loops between transcription factors and repressors in responses to xenobiotics, oxidants, heat, hypoxia, DNA damage, and infection have been described. Although common, the function of feedback is largely unstudied. Here, we define a negative-feedback loop between the Caenorhabditis elegans detoxification/antioxidant response factor SKN-1/Nrf and its repressor wdr-23 and investigate its function in vivo. Although SKN-1 promotes stress resistance and longevity, we find that tight regulation by WDR-23 is essential for growth and reproduction. By disabling SKN-1 transactivation of wdr-23, we reveal that feedback is required to set the balance between growth/reproduction and stress resistance/longevity. We also find that feedback is required to set the sensitivity of a core SKN-1 target gene to an electrophile. Interestingly, the effect of feedback on target gene induction is greatly reduced when the stress response is strongly activated, presumably to ensure maximum activation of cytoprotective genes during potentially fatal conditions. Our work provides a framework for understanding the function of negative feedback in inducible stress responses and demonstrates that manipulation of feedback alone can shift the balance of competing animal processes toward cell protection, health, and longevity.
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Hughes S, Brabin C, Appleford PJ, Woollard A. CEH-20/Pbx and UNC-62/Meis function upstream of rnt-1/Runx to regulate asymmetric divisions of the C. elegans stem-like seam cells. Biol Open 2013; 2:718-27. [PMID: 23862020 PMCID: PMC3711040 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20134549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans seam cells divide in the stem-like mode throughout larval development, with the ability to both self-renew and produce daughters that differentiate. Seam cells typically divide asymmetrically, giving rise to an anterior daughter that fuses with the hypodermis and a posterior daughter that proliferates further. Previously we have identified rnt-1 (a homologue of the mammalian cancer-associated stem cell regulator Runx) as being an important regulator of seam development, acting to promote proliferation; rnt-1 mutants have fewer seam cells whereas overexpressing rnt-1 causes seam cell hyperplasia. We isolated the interacting CEH-20/Pbx and UNC-62/Meis TALE-class transcription factors during a genome-wide RNAi screen for novel regulators of seam cell number. Animals lacking wild type CEH-20 or UNC-62 display seam cell hyperplasia, largely restricted to the anterior of the worm, whereas double mutants have many additional seam cells along the length of the animal. The cellular basis of the hyperplasia involves the symmetrisation of normally asymmetric seam cell divisions towards the proliferative stem-like fate. The hyperplasia is completely suppressed in rnt-1 mutants, and rnt-1 is upregulated in ceh-20 and unc-62 mutants, suggesting that CEH-20 and UNC-62 function upstream of rnt-1 to limit proliferative potential to the appropriate daughter cell. In further support of this we find that CEH-20 is asymmetrically localised in seam daughters following an asymmetric division, being predominantly restricted to anterior nuclei whose fate is to differentiate. Thus, ceh-20 and unc-62 encode crucial regulators of seam cell division asymmetry, acting via rnt-1 to regulate the balance between proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford , South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU , UK
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75
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Zhao Y, Zhao L, Zheng X, Fu T, Guo H, Ren F. Lactobacillus salivarius strain FDB89 induced longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans by dietary restriction. J Microbiol 2013; 51:183-8. [PMID: 23625218 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-013-2076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we utilized the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to assess potential life-expanding effect of Lactobacillus salivarius strain FDB89 (FDB89) isolated from feces of centenarians in Bama County (Guangxi, China). This study showed that feeding FDB89 extended the mean life span in C. elegans by up to 11.9% compared to that of control nematodes. The reduced reproductive capacities, pharyngeal pumping rate, growth, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and XTT reduction capacity were also observed in FDB89 feeding worms. To probe the anti-aging mechanism further, we incorporated a food gradient feeding assay and assayed the life span of eat-2 mutant. The results demonstrated that the maximal life span of C. elegans fed on FDB89 was achieved at the concentration of 1.0 mg bacterial cells/plate, which was 10-fold greater than that of C. elegans fed on E. coli OP50 (0.1 mg bacterial cells/plate). However, feeding FDB89 could not further extend the life span of eat-2 mutant. These results indicated that FDB89 modulated the longevity of C. elegans in a dietary restriction-dependent manner and expanded the understanding of anti-aging effect of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy Science of Beijing and Ministry of Education, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
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76
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Jakobsen H, Bojer MS, Marinus MG, Xu T, Struve C, Krogfelt KA, Løbner-Olesen A. The alkaloid compound harmane increases the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans during bacterial infection, by modulating the nematode's innate immune response. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60519. [PMID: 23544153 PMCID: PMC3609739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has in recent years been proven to be a powerful in vivo model for testing antimicrobial compounds. We report here that the alkaloid compound Harmane (2-methyl-β-carboline) increases the lifespan of nematodes infected with a human pathogen, the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain EDL933 and several other bacterial pathogens. This was shown to be unrelated to the weak antibiotic effect of Harmane. Using GFP-expressing E. coli EDL933, we showed that Harmane does not lower the colonization burden in the nematodes. We also found that the expression of the putative immune effector gene F35E12.5 was up-regulated in response to Harmane treatment. This indicates that Harmane stimulates the innate immune response of the nematode; thereby increasing its lifespan during bacterial infection. Expression of F35E12.5 is predominantly regulated through the p38 MAPK pathway; however, intriguingly the lifespan extension resulting from Harmane was higher in p38 MAPK-deficient nematodes. This indicates that Harmane has a complex effect on the innate immune system of C. elegans. Harmane could therefore be a useful tool in the further research into C. elegans immunity. Since the innate immunity of C. elegans has a high degree of evolutionary conservation, drugs such as Harmane could also be possible alternatives to classic antibiotics. The C. elegans model could prove to be useful for selection and development of such drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Jakobsen
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin S. Bojer
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin G. Marinus
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carsten Struve
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen A. Krogfelt
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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77
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Williams RAM, Mottram JC, Coombs GH. Distinct roles in autophagy and importance in infectivity of the two ATG4 cysteine peptidases of Leishmania major. J Biol Chem 2012; 288:3678-90. [PMID: 23166325 PMCID: PMC3561585 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.415372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy in Leishmania, which is important for the cellular remodeling required during differentiation, relies upon the hydrolytic activity of two ATG4 cysteine peptidases (ATG4.1 and ATG4.2). We have investigated the individual contributions of each ATG4 to Leishmania major by generating individual gene deletion mutants (Δatg4.1 and Δatg4.2); double mutants could not be generated, indicating that ATG4 activity is required for parasite viability. Both mutants were viable as promastigotes and infected macrophages in vitro and mice, but Δatg4.2 survived poorly irrespective of infection with promastigotes or amastigotes, whereas this was the case only when promastigotes of Δatg4.1 were used. Promastigotes of Δatg4.2 but not Δatg4.1 were more susceptible than wild type promastigotes to starvation and oxidative stresses, which correlated with increased reactive oxygen species levels and oxidatively damaged proteins in the cells as well as impaired mitochondrial function. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine reversed this phenotype, reducing both basal and induced autophagy and restoring mitochondrial function, indicating a relationship between reactive oxygen species levels and autophagy. Deletion of ATG4.2 had a more dramatic effect upon autophagy than did deletion of ATG4.1. This phenotype is consistent with a reduced efficiency in the autophagic process in Δatg4.2, possibly due to ATG4.2 having a key role in removal of ATG8 from mature autophagosomes and thus facilitating delivery to the lysosomal network. These findings show that there is a level of functional redundancy between the two ATG4s, and that ATG4.2 appears to be the more important. Moreover, the low infectivity of Δatg4.2 demonstrates that autophagy is important for the virulence of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick A M Williams
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, Scotland, United Kingdom
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78
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Bess AS, Crocker TL, Ryde IT, Meyer JN. Mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy aid in removal of persistent mitochondrial DNA damage in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:7916-31. [PMID: 22718972 PMCID: PMC3439916 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria lack the ability to repair certain helix-distorting lesions that are induced at high levels in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) by important environmental genotoxins and endogenous metabolites. These lesions are irreparable and persistent in the short term, but their long-term fate is unknown. We report that removal of such mtDNA damage is detectable by 48 h in Caenorhabditis elegans, and requires mitochondrial fusion, fission and autophagy, providing genetic evidence for a novel mtDNA damage removal pathway. Furthermore, mutations in genes involved in these processes as well as pharmacological inhibition of autophagy exacerbated mtDNA damage-mediated larval arrest, illustrating the in vivo relevance of removal of persistent mtDNA damage. Mutations in genes in these pathways exist in the human population, demonstrating the potential for important gene-environment interactions affecting mitochondrial health after genotoxin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S Bess
- Duke University, Nicholas School of Environment, Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, LSRC, PO Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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79
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Chisholm AD, Hsiao TI. The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis as a model skin. I: development, patterning, and growth. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:861-78. [PMID: 23539299 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The skin of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is composed of a simple epidermal epithelium and overlying cuticle. The skin encloses the animal and plays central roles in body morphology and physiology; its simplicity and accessibility make it a tractable genetic model for several aspects of skin biology. Epidermal precursors are specified by a hierarchy of transcriptional regulators. Epidermal cells form on the dorsal surface of the embryo and differentiate to form the epidermal primordium, which then spreads out in a process of epiboly to enclose internal tissues. Subsequent elongation of the embryo into a vermiform larva is driven by cell shape changes and cell fusions in the epidermis. Most epidermal cells fuse in mid-embryogenesis to form a small number of multinucleate syncytia. During mid-embryogenesis the epidermis also becomes intimately associated with underlying muscles, performing a tendon-like role in transmitting muscle force. Post-embryonic development of the epidermis involves growth by addition of new cells to the syncytia from stem cell-like epidermal seam cells and by an increase in cell size driven by endoreplication of the chromosomes in epidermal nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Chisholm
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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80
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Abstract
Autophagy is a cytoplasmic catabolic process that protects the cell against stressful conditions. Damaged cellular components are funneled by autophagy into the lysosomes, where they are degraded and can be re-used as alternative building blocks for protein synthesis and cellular repair. In contrast, aging is the gradual failure over time of cellular repair mechanisms that leads to the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage and loss of function. The cell's capacity for autophagic degradation also declines with age, and this in itself may contribute to the aging process. Studies in model organisms ranging from yeast to mice have shown that single-gene mutations can extend lifespan in an evolutionarily conserved fashion, and provide evidence that the aging process can be modulated. Interestingly, autophagy is induced in a seemingly beneficial manner by many of the same perturbations that extend lifespan, including mutations in key signaling pathways such as the insulin/IGF-1 and TOR pathways. Here, we review recent progress, primarily derived from genetic studies with model organisms, in understanding the role of autophagy in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gelino
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, USA ; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Del E. Webb Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center, Program of Development and Aging, La Jolla, CA, USA
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81
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Liao VHC, Yu CW, Chu YJ, Li WH, Hsieh YC, Wang TT. Curcumin-mediated lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mech Ageing Dev 2011; 132:480-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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82
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Saul N, Pietsch K, Stürzenbaum SR, Menzel R, Steinberg CEW. Diversity of polyphenol action in Caenorhabditis elegans: between toxicity and longevity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2011; 74:1713-1720. [PMID: 21805983 DOI: 10.1021/np200011a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized to determine, in vivo, the mode(s) of action of four plant polyphenols, namely, tannic acid (TA), gallic acid (GA), ellagic acid (EA), and catechin (CT). The determination of lifespan, stress resistance, growth, reproduction, eating-related behaviors, antioxidative capacities, and lifespan assays with the mev-1 and the eat-2 mutants as well as in the presence of dead bacteria provided new insights into their action. All four compounds prolonged lifespan, but only TA and CT mediated distinct stress protection. Longevity is unlikely the result of antioxidant capacities but rather due to calorie restriction imitating and hormetic properties in the case of TA and EA or antimicrobial capacities of GA and EA. Furthermore, the prominent "disposable soma theory" is only partly reflected by these polyphenols. In summary, this study underlines the diversity of polyphenolic phytochemicals and their mechanistic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Saul
- Laboratory of Freshwater & Stress Ecology, Department of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Späthstrasse 80/81, 12437 Berlin, Germany.
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83
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Laabs EM, Schnieder T, Strube C. In vitro studies on the sexual maturation of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus during the development of preadult larvae to adult worms. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:1249-59. [PMID: 21858477 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2622-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is one of the most important parasites in grazing cattle. However, not much is known about morphology and molecular aspects of sexual maturation occurring during development of preadult larvae (L5) to adults. Since studies in the pulmonary compartments are infeasible, an in vitro cultivation method was established. The study was conducted with L5 during in vitro cultivation, assessing longitudinal growth and sexual maturation. Best results were achieved with RPMI-1640 medium with L-glutamine, 50% fetal bovine serum, amphotericin B (0.25 mg/ml), penicillin (10,000 U/ml), and streptomycin (10 mg/ml) at 39°C and 5% atmospheric CO₂. During cultivation, individuals grew from an average length of 4.64 to 9.88 mm independent of their density per setup. Regarding sexual maturation, female individuals started to lay eggs, whereas the testes of male individuals were filled with spermatozoa. Consequently, adult female and adult male worms developed. However, no copulation was observable and eggs did not embryonate. Development was further investigated by quantitative real-time PCR transcriptional analysis of major sperm protein (msp) and vitellogenin (vit) representing male and female sexual development, respectively. Male msp transcription peaked after 5 days of cultivation [corresponding to 20 days post infection (dpi)] and decreased gradually afterwards. Female vit transcription showed the highest rate after 15 days of cultivation (30 dpi), however it never reached the transcription rate in female adults isolated from the host. All in all, the present study gives not only insights into morphological differentiation but provides data lightening molecular aspects of sexual maturation in D. viviparus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Laabs
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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84
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Abstract
It has long been understood that many of the same manipulations that increase longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans also increase resistance to various acute stressors, and vice-versa; moreover these findings hold in more complex organisms as well. Nevertheless, the mechanistic relationship between these phenotypes remains unclear, and in many cases the overlap between stress resistance and longevity is inexact. Here we review the known connections between stress resistance and longevity, discuss instances in which these connections are absent, and summarize the theoretical explanations that have been posited for these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine I. Zhou
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, PO Box 208103, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Zachary Pincus
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, PO Box 208103, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Frank J. Slack
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, PO Box 208103, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
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85
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Abstract
Calcineurin is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase controlled by Ca(2+) and calmodulin that has been implicated in various signaling pathways. Previously, we reported that calcineurin regulates coelomocyte endocytosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. So far, simple and powerful in vivo approaches have been developed to study various endocytic processes in C. elegans. Using these in vivo assays, we further analyzed the endocytic phenotypes of calcineurin mutants. We observed that the calcineurin mutants were defective in apical endocytosis in the intestine as well as synaptic vesicle recycling in the nerve cord. However, we found that calcineurin mutants displayed normal receptor-mediated endocytosis in oocytes. Therefore, our results suggest that calcineurin may regulate specific sets of endocytic processes in nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ok Song
- Department of Life Science, BK21 (Life Science for Global Warming Team), College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
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86
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Koga H, Kaushik S, Cuervo AM. Protein homeostasis and aging: The importance of exquisite quality control. Ageing Res Rev 2011; 10:205-15. [PMID: 20152936 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
All cells count on precise mechanisms that regulate protein homeostasis to maintain a stable and functional proteome. A progressive deterioration in the ability of cells to preserve the stability of their proteome occurs with age and contributes to the functional loss characteristic of old organisms. Molecular chaperones and the proteolytic systems are responsible for this cellular quality control by assuring continuous renewal of intracellular proteins. When protein damage occurs, such as during cellular stress, the coordinated action of these cellular surveillance systems allows detection and repair of the damaged structures or, in many instances, leads to the complete elimination of the altered proteins from inside cells. Dysfunction of the quality control mechanisms and intracellular accumulation of abnormal proteins in the form of protein inclusions and aggregates occur in almost all tissues of an aged organism. Preservation or enhancement of the activity of these surveillance systems until late in life improves their resistance to stress and is sufficient to slow down aging. In this work, we review recent advances on our understanding of the contribution of chaperones and proteolytic systems to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, the cellular response to stress and ultimately to longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Koga
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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87
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Fernando T, Flibotte S, Xiong S, Yin J, Yzeiraj E, Moerman DG, Meléndez A, Savage-Dunn C. C. elegans ADAMTS ADT-2 regulates body size by modulating TGFβ signaling and cuticle collagen organization. Dev Biol 2011; 352:92-103. [PMID: 21256840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Organismal growth and body size are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. We have utilized the strong molecular genetic techniques available in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to identify genetic determinants of body size. In C. elegans, DBL-1, a member of the conserved family of secreted growth factors known as the Transforming Growth Factor β superfamily, is known to play a major role in growth control. The mechanisms by which other determinants of body size function, however, is less well understood. To identify additional genes involved in body size regulation, a genetic screen for small mutants was previously performed. One of the genes identified in that screen was sma-21. We now demonstrate that sma-21 encodes ADT-2, a member of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) family of secreted metalloproteases. ADAMTS proteins are believed to remodel the extracellular matrix and may modulate the activity of extracellular signals. Genetic interactions suggest that ADT-2 acts in parallel with or in multiple size regulatory pathways. We demonstrate that ADT-2 is required for normal levels of expression of a DBL-1-responsive transcriptional reporter. We further demonstrate that adt-2 regulatory sequences drive expression in glial-like and vulval cells, and that ADT-2 activity is required for normal cuticle collagen fibril organization. We therefore propose that ADT-2 regulates body size both by modulating TGFβ signaling activity and by maintaining normal cuticle structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini Fernando
- Department of Biology, Queens College, and The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
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88
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Abstract
In the past several decades the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has emerged as a prominent model for aging research. The creation of a single-gene deletion collection covering the majority of open reading frames in the yeast genome and advances in genomic technologies have opened yeast research to genome-scale screens for a variety of phenotypes. A number of screens have been performed looking for genes that modify secondary age-associated phenotypes such as stress resistance or growth rate. More recently, moderate-throughput methods for measuring replicative life span and high-throughput methods for measuring chronological life span have allowed for the first unbiased screens aimed at directly identifying genes involved in determining yeast longevity. In this chapter we discuss large-scale life span studies performed in yeast and their implications for research related to the basic biology of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L Sutphin
- Department of Pathology and the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-7470, USA,
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89
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Mehta R, Chandler-Brown D, Ramos FJ, Shamieh LS, Kaeberlein M. Regulation of mRNA translation as a conserved mechanism of longevity control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 694:14-29. [PMID: 20886753 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7002-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate regulation of mRNA translation is essential for growth and survival and the pathways that regulate mRNA translation have been highly conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution. Translation is controlled by a complex set of mechanisms acting at multiple levels, ranging from global protein synthesis to individual mRNAs. Recently, several mutations that perturb regulation of mRNA translation have also been found to increase longevity in three model organisms: the buddingyeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Many of these translation control factors can be mapped to a single pathway downstream of the nutrient responsive target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase. In this chapter, we will review the data suggesting that mRNA translation is an evolutionarily conserved modifier of longevity and discuss potential mechanisms by which mRNA translation could influence aging and age-associated disease in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjana Mehta
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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90
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Spindler SR. Caloric restriction: from soup to nuts. Ageing Res Rev 2010; 9:324-53. [PMID: 19853062 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR), reduced protein, methionine, or tryptophan diets; and reduced insulin and/or IGFI intracellular signaling can extend mean and/or maximum lifespan and delay deleterious age-related physiological changes in animals. Mice and flies can shift readily between the control and CR physiological states, even at older ages. Many health benefits are induced by even brief periods of CR in flies, rodents, monkeys, and humans. In humans and nonhuman primates, CR produces most of the physiologic, hematologic, hormonal, and biochemical changes it produces in other animals. In primates, CR provides protection from type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases, immunological decline, malignancy, hepatotoxicity, liver fibrosis and failure, sarcopenia, inflammation, and DNA damage. It also enhances muscle mitochondrial biogenesis, affords neuroprotection; and extends mean and maximum lifespan. CR rapidly induces antineoplastic effects in mice. Most claims of lifespan extension in rodents by drugs or nutrients are confounded by CR effects. Transcription factors and co-activators involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism, including SirT1, PGC-1alpha, AMPK and TOR may be involved in the lifespan effects of CR. Paradoxically, low body weight in middle aged and elderly humans is associated with increased mortality. Thus, enhancement of human longevity may require pharmaceutical interventions.
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91
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Saul N, Pietsch K, Menzel R, Stürzenbaum SR, Steinberg CEW. The Longevity Effect of Tannic Acid in Caenorhabditis elegans: Disposable Soma Meets Hormesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 65:626-35. [DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glq051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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92
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Krishnan A, Muralidharan S, Sharma L, Borges RM. A hitchhiker’s guide to a crowded syconium: how do fig nematodes find the right ride? Funct Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2010.01696.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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93
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Role of autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:1335-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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94
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Onken B, Driscoll M. Metformin induces a dietary restriction-like state and the oxidative stress response to extend C. elegans Healthspan via AMPK, LKB1, and SKN-1. PLoS One 2010; 5:e8758. [PMID: 20090912 PMCID: PMC2807458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 11/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a biguanide drug commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, has been noted to extend healthspan of nondiabetic mice, but this outcome, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie it, have received relatively little experimental attention. To develop a genetic model for study of biguanide effects on healthspan, we investigated metformin impact on aging Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that metformin increases nematode healthspan, slowing lipofuscin accumulation, extending median lifespan, and prolonging youthful locomotory ability in a dose-dependent manner. Genetic data suggest that metformin acts through a mechanism similar to that operative in eating-impaired dietary restriction (DR) mutants, but independent of the insulin signaling pathway. Energy sensor AMPK and AMPK-activating kinase LKB1, which are activated in mammals by metformin treatment, are essential for health benefits in C. elegans, suggesting that metformin engages a metabolic loop conserved across phyla. We also show that the conserved oxidative stress-responsive transcription factor SKN-1/Nrf2 is essential for metformin healthspan benefits in C. elegans, a mechanistic requirement not previously described in mammals. skn-1, which functions in nematode sensory neurons to promote DR longevity benefits and in intestines for oxidative stress resistance lifespan benefits, must be expressed in both neurons and intestines for metformin-promoted healthspan extension, supporting that metformin improves healthy middle-life aging by activating both DR and antioxidant defense longevity pathways. In addition to defining molecular players operative in metformin healthspan benefits, our data suggest that metformin may be a plausible pharmacological intervention to promote healthy human aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Onken
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Monica Driscoll
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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95
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Depuydt G, Vanfleteren JR, Braeckman BP. Protein metabolism and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 694:81-107. [PMID: 20886759 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7002-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lifespan of the versatile model system Caenorhabditis elegans can be extended by a decrease of insulin/IGF-1 signaling, TOR signaling, mitochondrial function, protein synthesis and dietary intake. The exact molecular mechanisms by which these modulations confer increased life expectancy are yet to be determined but increased stress resistance and improved protein homeostasis seem to be of major importance. In this chapter, we explore the interactions among several genetic pathways and cellular functions involved in lifespan extension and their relation to protein homeostasis in C. elegans. Several of these processes have been associated, however some relevant data are conflicting and further studies are needed to clarify these interactions. In mammals, protein homeostasis is also implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, many of which can be modeled in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Depuydt
- Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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96
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Autophagy and longevity: lessons from C. elegans. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 694:47-60. [PMID: 20886756 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7002-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a process in which individuals undergo an exponential decline in vitality, leading to death. In the last two decades, the study of the molecular regulation of aging in model organisms, particularly in C. elegans, has greatly expanded our knowledge of aging. Multiple longevity pathways, such as insulin-like growth factor signaling, TOR signaling, dietary restriction and mitochondrial activity, control aging in C. elegans. Recent genetic studies indicate that autophagy, an evolutionary conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, interacts with various longevity signals in the regulation of C. elegans life span. Here, we review the current progress in understanding the role of autophagy in the regulation of C. elegans life span.
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97
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Heinick A, Urban K, Roth S, Spies D, Nunes F, Phanstiel O, Liebau E, Lüersen K. Caenorhabditis elegans P5B-type ATPase CATP-5 operates in polyamine transport and is crucial for norspermidine-mediated suppression of RNA interference. FASEB J 2009; 24:206-17. [PMID: 19762559 DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-135889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Physiological polyamines are required in various biological processes. In the current study, we used norspermidine, a structural analog of the natural polyamine spermidine, to investigate polyamine uptake in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Norspermidine was found to have two remarkable effects: it is toxic for the nematode, without affecting its food, Escherichia coli; and it hampers RNA interference. By characterizing a norspermidine-resistant C. elegans mutant strain that has been isolated in a genetic screen, we demonstrate that both effects, as well as the uptake of a fluorescent polyamine-conjugate, depend on the transporter protein CATP-5, a novel P(5B)-type ATPase. To our knowledge, CATP-5 represents the first P(5)-type ATPase that is associated with the plasma membrane, being expressed in the apical membrane of intestinal cells and the excretory cell. Moreover, genetic interaction studies using C. elegans polyamine synthesis mutants indicate that CATP-5 has a function redundant to polyamine synthesis and link reduced polyamine levels to retarded postembryonic development, reduced brood size, shortened life span, and small body size. We suggest that CATP-5 represents a crucial component of the pharmacologically important polyamine transport system, the molecular nature of which has not been identified so far in metazoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Heinick
- Institute for Animal Physiology, Westfalian Wilhelms University, Muenster, Germany
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98
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Cai Q, Wang W, Gao Y, Yang Y, Zhu Z, Fan Q. Ce-wts-1plays important roles inCaenorhabditis elegansdevelopment. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:3158-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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99
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Megalou EV, Tavernarakis N. Autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2009; 1793:1444-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2008.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Caenorhabditis elegans utilizes dauer pheromone biosynthesis to dispose of toxic peroxisomal fatty acids for cellular homoeostasis. Biochem J 2009; 422:61-71. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20090513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans excretes a dauer pheromone or daumone composed of ascarylose and a fatty acid side chain, the perception of which enables worms to enter the dauer state for long-term survival in an adverse environment. During the course of elucidation of the daumone biosynthetic pathway in which DHS-28 and DAF-22 are involved in peroxisomal β-oxidation of VLCFAs (very long-chain fatty acids), we sought to investigate the physiological consequences of a deficiency in daumone biosynthesis in C. elegans. Our results revealed that two mutants, dhs-28(tm2581) and daf-22(ok693), lacked daumones and thus were dauer defective; this coincided with massive accumulation of fatty acyl-CoAs (up to 100-fold) inside worm bodies compared with levels in wild-type N2 worms. Furthermore, the deficiency in daumone biosynthesis and the massive accumulation of fatty acids and their acyl-CoAs caused severe developmental defects with reduced life spans (up to 30%), suggesting that daumone biosynthesis is be an essential part of C. elegans homoeostasis, affecting survival and maintenance of optimal physiological conditions by metabolizing some of the toxic non-permissible peroxisomal VLCFAs from the worm body in the form of readily excretable daumones.
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