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Mello DF, Perez L, Bergemann CM, Morton KS, Ryde IT, Meyer JN. Comprehensive characterization of mitochondrial bioenergetics at different larval stages reveals novel insights about the developmental metabolism of Caenorhabditis elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.26.600841. [PMID: 38979262 PMCID: PMC11230424 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.26.600841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial bioenergetic processes are fundamental to development, stress responses, and health. Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used to study developmental biology, mitochondrial disease, and mitochondrial toxicity. Oxidative phosphorylation generally increases during development in many species, and genetic and environmental factors may alter this normal trajectory. Altered mitochondrial function during development can lead to both drastic, short-term responses including arrested development and death, and subtle consequences that may persist throughout life and into subsequent generations. Understanding normal and altered developmental mitochondrial biology in C. elegans is currently constrained by incomplete and conflicting reports on how mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters change during development in this species. We used a Seahorse XFe24 Extracellular Flux (XF) Analyzer to carry out a comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCR) throughout larval development in C. elegans. We optimized and describe conditions for analysis of basal OCR, basal mitochondrial OCR, ATP-linked OCR, spare and maximal respiratory capacity, proton leak, and non-mitochondrial OCR. A key consideration is normalization, and we present and discuss results as normalized per individual worm, protein content, worm volume, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) count, nuclear DNA (ncDNA) count, and mtDNA:ncDNA ratio. Which normalization process is best depends on the question being asked, and differences in normalization explain some of the discrepancies in previously reported developmental changes in OCR in C. elegans. Broadly, when normalized to worm number, our results agree with previous reports in showing dramatic increases in OCR throughout development. However, when normalized to total protein, worm volume, or ncDNA or mtDNA count, after a significant 2-3-fold increase from L1 to L2 stages, we found small or no changes in most OCR parameters from the L2 to the L4 stage, other than a marginal increase at L3 in spare and maximal respiratory capacity. Overall, our results indicate an earlier cellular shift to oxidative metabolism than suggested in most previous literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle F Mello
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708-0328 United States of America
| | - Luiza Perez
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708-0328 United States of America
| | - Christina M Bergemann
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708-0328 United States of America
| | - Katherine S Morton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708-0328 United States of America
| | - Ian T Ryde
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708-0328 United States of America
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708-0328 United States of America
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2
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Hahm JH, Nirmala FS, Ha TY, Ahn J. Nutritional approaches targeting mitochondria for the prevention of sarcopenia. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:676-694. [PMID: 37475189 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A decline in function and loss of mass, a condition known as sarcopenia, is observed in the skeletal muscles with aging. Sarcopenia has a negative effect on the quality of life of elderly. Individuals with sarcopenia are at particular risk for adverse outcomes, such as reduced mobility, fall-related injuries, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is multifaceted, mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as a major contributor for muscle aging. Hence, the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve mitochondrial function during aging is imperative for sarcopenia treatment. However, effective and specific drugs that can be used for the treatment are not yet approved. Instead studies on the relationship between food intake and muscle aging have suggested that nutritional intake or dietary control could be an alternative approach for the amelioration of muscle aging. This narrative review approaches various nutritional components and diets as a treatment for sarcopenia by modulating mitochondrial homeostasis and improving mitochondria. Age-related changes in mitochondrial function and the molecular mechanisms that help improve mitochondrial homeostasis are discussed, and the nutritional components and diet that modulate these molecular mechanisms are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hoon Hahm
- Research Group of Aging and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, South Korea
| | - Farida S Nirmala
- Research Group of Aging and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, South Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon-si, South Korea
| | - Tae Youl Ha
- Research Group of Aging and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, South Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon-si, South Korea
| | - Jiyun Ahn
- Research Group of Aging and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, South Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon-si, South Korea
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3
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Chen PX, Zhang L, Chen D, Tian Y. Mitochondrial stress and aging: Lessons from C. elegans. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:69-76. [PMID: 36863917 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in mitochondrial function, which in turn contributes to a variety of age-related diseases. Counterintuitively, a growing number of studies have found that disruption of mitochondrial function often leads to increased lifespan. This seemingly contradictory observation has inspired extensive research into genetic pathways underlying the mitochondrial basis of aging, particularly within the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The complex and antagonistic roles of mitochondria in the aging process have altered the view of mitochondria, which not only serve as simple bioenergetic factories but also as signaling platforms for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and organismal health. Here, we review the contributions of C. elegans to our understanding of mitochondrial function in the aging process over the past decades. In addition, we explore how these insights may promote future research of mitochondrial-targeted strategies in higher organisms to potentially slow aging and delay age-related disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng X Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Leyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Di Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of Medical School, Nanjing University, 12 Xuefu Rd, Pukou, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210061, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China.
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4
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Misare KR, Ampolini EA, Gonzalez HC, Sullivan KA, Li X, Miller C, Sosseh B, Dunne JB, Voelkel-Johnson C, Gordon KL, Hartman JH. The consequences of tetraploidy on Caenorhabditis elegans physiology and sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18125. [PMID: 37872247 PMCID: PMC10593782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyploid cells contain more than two copies of each chromosome. Polyploidy has important roles in development, evolution, and tissue regeneration/repair, and can arise as a programmed polyploidization event or be triggered by stress. Cancer cells are often polyploid. C. elegans nematodes are typically diploid, but stressors such as heat shock and starvation can trigger the production of tetraploid offspring. In this study, we utilized a recently published protocol to generate stable tetraploid strains of C. elegans and compared their physiological traits and sensitivity to two DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin and doxorubicin. As prior studies have shown, tetraploid worms are approximately 30% longer, shorter-lived, and have a smaller brood size than diploids. We investigated the reproductive defect further, determining that tetraploid worms have a shorter overall germline length, a higher rate of germ cell apoptosis, more aneuploidy in oocytes and offspring, and larger oocytes and embryos. We also found that tetraploid worms are modestly protected from growth delay from the chemotherapeutics but are similarly or more sensitive to reproductive toxicity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially expressed pathways that may contribute to sensitivity to stress. This study reveals phenotypic consequences of whole-animal tetraploidy that make C. elegans an excellent model for ploidy differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Misare
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Ampolini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Hyland C Gonzalez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kaitlan A Sullivan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Camille Miller
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Bintou Sosseh
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jaclyn B Dunne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kacy L Gordon
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jessica H Hartman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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5
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Arellano Spadaro J, Hishida Y, Matsunaga Y, van Es‐Remers M, Korthout H, Kim HK, Poppelaars E, Keizer H, Iliopoulou E, van Duijn B, Wildwater M, van Rijnberk L. 3'sialyllactose and 6'sialyllactose enhance performance in endurance-type exercise through metabolic adaptation. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:6199-6212. [PMID: 37823127 PMCID: PMC10563706 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) belong to a group of multifunctional glycans that are abundantly present in human breast milk. While health effects of neutral oligosaccharides have been investigated extensively, a lot remains unknown regarding health effects of acidic oligosaccharides, such as the two sialyllactoses (SLs), 3'sialyllactose (3'SL), and 6'sialyllactose (6'SL). We utilized Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to investigate the effects of SLs on exercise performance. Using swimming as an endurance-type exercise, we found that SLs decrease exhaustion, signifying an increase in endurance that is strongest for 6'SL. Through an unbiased metabolomics approach, we identified changes in energy metabolism that correlated with endurance performance. Further investigation suggested that these metabolic changes were related to adaptations of muscle mitochondria that facilitated a shift from beta oxidation to glycogenolysis during exercise. We found that the effect of SLs on endurance performance required AMPK- (aak-1/aak-2) and adenosine receptor (ador-1) signaling. We propose a model where SLs alter the metabolic status in the gut, causing a signal from the intestine to the nervous system toward muscle cells, where metabolic adaptation increases exercise performance. Together, our results underline the potential of SLs in exercise-associated health and contribute to our understanding of the molecular processes involved in nutritionally-induced health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bert van Duijn
- Fytagoras B.V.LeidenThe Netherlands
- Institute Biology LeidenLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
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6
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Sithole S, Nyoka NWK, Kamdem MM, Otomo PV. Dietary deprivation reduces the deleterious effects of carbaryl on the survival and activity of both catalase and acetylcholinesterase in earthworms. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115293. [PMID: 37517307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) and dietary deprivation (DD) have been shown to be significantly beneficial in terms of lifespan gains and stress alleviation in invertebrate and vertebrate species. Such beneficial effects, however, have yet to be clearly assessed in the presence of chemical stressors. We conducted a comparative evaluation of the toxicity of carbaryl in Eisenia fetida individuals subjected to a full diet (FD), DR and DD. For 14 days, groups of ten worms subjected to FD received 5 g oatmeal, those subjected to DR received 2.5 g oatmeal, and those subjected to DD received 0 g oatmeal weekly. We evaluated concentrations of 0, 7, 14 and 28 mg carbaryl.kg-1 soil and measured effects on survival, reproduction, biomass and biomarkers (Catalase- CAT and acetylcholine esterase- AChE). Carbaryl caused a total inhibition of reproduction in all the treatments. For each diet level, the 14-day LC50 s were higher than 28 mg.kg-1, but the 14-day LC20 s for the earthworms subjected to FD, DR, and DD were 11.24, 20.51 and > 28 mg.kg-1, respectively. This showed that the toxicity of carbaryl consistently decreased with the reduction in nutrients. Carbaryl caused a significant weight loss in the worms subjected to FD in the 7 mg.kg-1 treatment (P = 0.0065). Such weight loss was not found in any of the other treatments and diets. Both CAT and AChE were significantly inhibited in the two highest treatments (P = 0.0071 and P = 0.0073, respectively). Interestingly, the earthworms subjected to DD showed relatively lower biomarker inhibition, indicating a greater tolerance to oxidative and neurotoxic stresses in these starved earthworms. For all endpoints investigated, aside from reproduction, the starved earthworms fared better under carbaryl toxicity than those given the other diets. Overall, a positive correlation was observed between the amount of food and chemical toxicity as mortality rates, AChE and CAT inhibition increased with the increased amount of nutrients given to the worms. These results show that, in the presence of a chemical stressor, the beneficial effects of DR and DD were variably manifest for select lifecycle parameters and biomarker responses, further suggesting dietary reduction as a non-genetic intervention that could help extend lifespan and alleviate stress even under a chemical insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipho Sithole
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Private Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, Republic of South Africa
| | - Ngitheni Winnie-Kate Nyoka
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Private Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Michel Mathurin Kamdem
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Private Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, Republic of South Africa
| | - Patricks Voua Otomo
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Private Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, Republic of South Africa
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7
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Martins AC, Virgolini MB, Ávila DS, Scharf P, Li J, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Bowman AB, Rocha JBT, Aschner M. Mitochondria in the Spotlight: C. elegans as a Model Organism to Evaluate Xenobiotic-Induced Dysfunction. Cells 2023; 12:2124. [PMID: 37681856 PMCID: PMC10486742 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular respiration, ATP production, and the regulation of various cellular processes. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been directly linked to pathophysiological conditions, making them a significant target of interest in toxicological research. In recent years, there has been a growing need to understand the intricate effects of xenobiotics on human health, necessitating the use of effective scientific research tools. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nonpathogenic nematode, has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating toxic mechanisms and mitochondrial dysfunction. With remarkable genetic homology to mammals, C. elegans has been used in studies to elucidate the impact of contaminants and drugs on mitochondrial function. This review focuses on the effects of several toxic metals and metalloids, drugs of abuse and pesticides on mitochondria, highlighting the utility of C. elegans as a model organism to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by xenobiotics. Mitochondrial structure, function, and dynamics are discussed, emphasizing their essential role in cellular viability and the regulation of processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and calcium homeostasis. Additionally, specific toxins and toxicants, such as arsenic, cadmium, and manganese are examined in the context of their impact on mitochondrial function and the utility of C. elegans in elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utilization of C. elegans as an experimental model providing a promising platform for investigating the intricate relationships between xenobiotics and mitochondrial dysfunction. This knowledge could contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of contaminants and drugs of abuse, ultimately enhancing our understanding of these complex processes and promoting human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airton C. Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Miriam B. Virgolini
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis Elegans, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, Uruguaiana 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Pablo Scharf
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Jung Li
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Aaron B. Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - João B. T. Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
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Sparling AC, King DE, Meyer JN. rol-6 and dpy-10C. elegans mutants have normal mitochondrial function after normalizing to delayed development. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000798. [PMID: 37215639 PMCID: PMC10193146 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Collagen mutations are commonly used in the creation of Caenorhabditis elegans transgenic strains, but their secondary effects are not fully characterized . We compared the mitochondrial function of N2, dpy-10, rol-6, and PE255 C. elegans . N2 worms exhibited ~2-fold greater volume, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and nuclear DNA copy number than collagen mutants (p<0.05). Whole-worm respirometry and ATP levels were higher in N2 worms, but differences in respirometry largely disappeared after normalization to mitochondrial DNA copy number. This data suggests that rol-6 and dpy-10 mutants are developmentally delayed but have comparable mitochondrial function to N2 worms once the data is normalized to developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dillon E. King
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham NC
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham NC
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9
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Bhadra J, Sridhar N, Fajrial AK, Hammond N, Xue D, Ding X. Acoustic streaming enabled moderate swimming exercise reduces neurodegeneration in C. elegans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf5056. [PMID: 36812319 PMCID: PMC9946341 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf5056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical exercise has been shown to delay and alleviate neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, optimum physical exercise conditions that provide neuronal protection and exercise-related factors remain poorly understood. Here, we create an Acoustic Gym on a chip through the surface acoustic wave (SAW) microfluidic technology to precisely control the duration and intensity of swimming exercise of model organisms. We find that precisely dosed swimming exercise enabled by acoustic streaming decreases neuronal loss in two different neurodegenerative disease models of Caenorhabditis elegans, a Parkinson's disease model and a tauopathy model. These findings highlight the importance of optimum exercise conditions for effective neuronal protection, a key characteristic of healthy aging in the elderly population. This SAW device also paves avenues for screening for compounds that can enhance or replace the beneficial effects of exercise and for identifying drug targets for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyita Bhadra
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Nakul Sridhar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 1111 Engineering Dr., Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Apresio Kefin Fajrial
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 1111 Engineering Dr., Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Nia Hammond
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Ding Xue
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 1111 Engineering Dr., Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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10
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Zhang L, Zhang X, Zhang T, Guo Y, Pei W, Liu R, Chang M, Wang X. Linolenic acid ameliorates sarcopenia in C. elegans by promoting mitophagy and fighting oxidative stress. Food Funct 2023; 14:1498-1509. [PMID: 36651495 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02974j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a syndrome of age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that seriously affects human health, and there are currently no effective drugs to treat the disease. Linolenic acid as a common n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) is known to have many beneficial functions. Some studies have found that n-3 PUFA might have the potential to improve sarcopenia. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as a model animal to investigate the effects of linolenic acid on C. elegans muscles. The results showed that 50 μg mL-1 linolenic acid significantly improved sarcopenia by repairing mitochondrial function by promoting mitophagy and fighting oxidative stress (p < 0.05). This included the increase of the expression of the mitophagy gene pink-1 and DAF-16/FOXO transcription factors, respectively, by linolenic acid. This study could provide some evidence for the application of n-3 PUFA in improving sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Xueyi Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Yiwen Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Wenjun Pei
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Ruijie Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Ming Chang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Xingguo Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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11
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Ultrasound-driven exercise training ameliorates degeneration of ultrasonic responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurosci Res 2023:S0168-0102(23)00023-8. [PMID: 36731541 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The inevitability of age-related degeneration makes research on degradation mitigation attractive to humans, while exercise is considered an effective means due to its powerful impact on life and health. Caenorhabditis elegans is a model animal with a short life cycle and is widely used in health and aging studies. In this work, ultrasonic stimuli in the form of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) were used to induce behavioral activities in worms. As the worms grew, ultrasound-elicited behavioral responses started to decrease in the early adulthood stage. However, this situation was significantly ameliorated when ultrasonic training sessions at an effective acoustic pressure of 1.1 MPa were performed four times per day for 5 or 7 days, while ultrasonic responses in trained nematodes were stronger than those in untrained ones. These results suggest that long-term ultrasonic training might positively intervene in aging-related degeneration. Besides, it was found that exercise driven by long-term ultrasonic training had insignificant effects on the lifespan of worms. A preliminary exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying the sensation of SAWs was also conducted. The results show that, apart from touch receptor neurons (TRNs), polymodal nociceptors FLP and PVD neurons may also be involved in the perception of ultrasound in C. elegans. The results of this study may inspire related studies on other animals or humans.
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12
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Campos JC, Marchesi Bozi LH, Krum B, Grassmann Bechara LR, Ferreira ND, Arini GS, Albuquerque RP, Traa A, Ogawa T, van der Bliek AM, Beheshti A, Chouchani ET, Van Raamsdonk JM, Blackwell TK, Ferreira JCB. Exercise preserves physical fitness during aging through AMPK and mitochondrial dynamics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2204750120. [PMID: 36595699 PMCID: PMC9926278 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204750120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise is a nonpharmacological intervention that improves health during aging and a valuable tool in the diagnostics of aging-related diseases. In muscle, exercise transiently alters mitochondrial functionality and metabolism. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are critical effectors of mitochondrial plasticity, which allows a fine-tuned regulation of organelle connectiveness, size, and function. Here we have investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics during exercise in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that in body-wall muscle, a single exercise session induces a cycle of mitochondrial fragmentation followed by fusion after a recovery period, and that daily exercise sessions delay the mitochondrial fragmentation and physical fitness decline that occur with aging. Maintenance of proper mitochondrial dynamics is essential for physical fitness, its enhancement by exercise training, and exercise-induced remodeling of the proteome. Surprisingly, among the long-lived genotypes we analyzed (isp-1,nuo-6, daf-2, eat-2, and CA-AAK-2), constitutive activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) uniquely preserves physical fitness during aging, a benefit that is abolished by impairment of mitochondrial fission or fusion. AMPK is also required for physical fitness to be enhanced by exercise, with our findings together suggesting that exercise may enhance muscle function through AMPK regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. Our results indicate that mitochondrial connectivity and the mitochondrial dynamics cycle are essential for maintaining physical fitness and exercise responsiveness during aging and suggest that AMPK activation may recapitulate some exercise benefits. Targeting mechanisms to optimize mitochondrial fission and fusion, as well as AMPK activation, may represent promising strategies for promoting muscle function during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Cruz Campos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo05508-000, Brazil
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA02215
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02215
| | - Luiz Henrique Marchesi Bozi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA02215
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02215
| | - Barbara Krum
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo05508-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gabriel Santos Arini
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Annika Traa
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, MontrealH3A 2B4, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, MontrealH4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Takafumi Ogawa
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA02215
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02215
- Unit of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima739-8530, Japan
- Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima739-8530, Japan
| | - Alexander M. van der Bliek
- Molecular Biology Institute at University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095-1570
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095-1737
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA94035
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Edward T. Chouchani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA02215
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02215
| | - Jeremy M. Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02215
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, MontrealH3A 2B4, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, and Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, MontrealH4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, MontrealH4A 3J1, Canada
| | - T. Keith Blackwell
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA02215
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02215
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13
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Oswal N, Martin OMF, Stroustrup S, Bruckner MAM, Stroustrup N. A hierarchical process model links behavioral aging and lifespan in C. elegans. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010415. [PMID: 36178967 PMCID: PMC9524676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging involves a transition from youthful vigor to geriatric infirmity and death. Individuals who remain vigorous longer tend to live longer, and within isogenic populations of C. elegans the timing of age-associated vigorous movement cessation (VMC) is highly correlated with lifespan. Yet, many mutations and interventions in aging alter the proportion of lifespan spent moving vigorously, appearing to “uncouple” youthful vigor from lifespan. To clarify the relationship between vigorous movement cessation, death, and the physical declines that determine their timing, we developed a new version of the imaging platform called “The Lifespan Machine”. This technology allows us to compare behavioral aging and lifespan at an unprecedented scale. We find that behavioral aging involves a time-dependent increase in the risk of VMC, reminiscent of the risk of death. Furthermore, we find that VMC times are inversely correlated with remaining lifespan across a wide range of genotypes and environmental conditions. Measuring and modelling a variety of lifespan-altering interventions including a new RNA-polymerase II auxin-inducible degron system, we find that vigorous movement and lifespan are best described as emerging from the interplay between at least two distinct physical declines whose rates co-vary between individuals. In this way, we highlight a crucial limitation of predictors of lifespan like VMC—in organisms experiencing multiple, distinct, age-associated physical declines, correlations between mid-life biomarkers and late-life outcomes can arise from the contextual influence of confounding factors rather than a reporting by the biomarker of a robustly predictive biological age. Aging produces a variety of outcomes—declines in various measures of health and eventually death. By studying the relationship between two outcomes of aging in the same individual, we can learn about the underlying aging processes that cause them. Here, we consider the relationship between death and an outcome often used to quantify health in C. elegans—vigorous movement cessation which describes the age-associated loss of an individuals’ ability to move long distances. We develop an automated imaging platform that allows us to precisely compare this pair of outcomes in each individual across large populations. We find that individuals who remain vigorous longer subsequently have a shorter remaining lifespan—a pattern that holds even after vigorous movement and lifespan timing are both altered by several different mutations and interventions in aging. Modelling our data using a combination of simulation and analytic studies, we demonstrate how the relative timing of vigorous movement cessation and death suggest that these two outcomes are driven by distinct aging processes. Our data and analyses demonstrate how two outcomes of aging can be correlated across individuals with the timing of one predicting the timing of the other, but nevertheless be driven by mostly distinct underlying physical declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Oswal
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivier M. F. Martin
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sofia Stroustrup
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monika Anna Matusiak Bruckner
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicholas Stroustrup
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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14
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Leuthner T, Benzing L, Kohrn B, Bergemann C, Hipp M, Hershberger K, Mello D, Sokolskyi T, Stevenson K, Merutka I, Seay S, Gregory S, Kennedy S, Meyer J. Resistance of mitochondrial DNA to cadmium and Aflatoxin B1 damage-induced germline mutation accumulation in C. elegans. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8626-8642. [PMID: 35947695 PMCID: PMC9410910 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is prone to mutation in aging and over evolutionary time, yet the processes that regulate the accumulation of de novo mtDNA mutations and modulate mtDNA heteroplasmy are not fully elucidated. Mitochondria lack certain DNA repair processes, which could contribute to polymerase error-induced mutations and increase susceptibility to chemical-induced mtDNA mutagenesis. We conducted error-corrected, ultra-sensitive Duplex Sequencing to investigate the effects of two known nuclear genome mutagens, cadmium and Aflatoxin B1, on germline mtDNA mutagenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Detection of thousands of mtDNA mutations revealed pervasive heteroplasmy in C. elegans and that mtDNA mutagenesis is dominated by C:G → A:T mutations generally attributed to oxidative damage. However, there was no effect of either exposure on mtDNA mutation frequency, spectrum, or trinucleotide context signature despite a significant increase in nuclear mutation rate after aflatoxin B1 exposure. Mitophagy-deficient mutants pink-1 and dct-1 accumulated significantly higher levels of mtDNA damage compared to wild-type C. elegans after exposures. However, there were only small differences in mtDNA mutation frequency, spectrum, or trinucleotide context signature compared to wild-type after 3050 generations, across all treatments. These findings suggest mitochondria harbor additional previously uncharacterized mechanisms that regulate mtDNA mutational processes across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess C Leuthner
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Laura Benzing
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Brendan F Kohrn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Michael J Hipp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Danielle F Mello
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Tymofii Sokolskyi
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Kevin Stevenson
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Ilaria R Merutka
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sarah A Seay
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Simon G Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA,Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Scott R Kennedy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joel N Meyer
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 919 613 8109;
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15
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Dyakonova V, Mezheritskiy M, Boguslavsky D, Dyakonova T, Chistopolsky I, Ito E, Zakharov I. Exercise and the Brain: Lessons From Invertebrate Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:928093. [PMID: 35836487 PMCID: PMC9275788 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.928093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits of physical exercise for brain functions are well documented in mammals, including humans. In this review, we will summarize recent research on the effects of species-specific intense locomotion on behavior and brain functions of different invertebrates. Special emphasis is made on understanding the biological significance of these effects as well as underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. The results obtained in three distantly related clades of protostomes, Nematodes, Molluscs and Artropods, suggest that influence of intense locomotion on the brain could have deep roots in evolution and wide adaptive significance. In C. elegans, improved learning, nerve regeneration, resistance to neurodegenerative processes were detected after physical activity; in L. stagnalis—facilitation of decision making in the novel environment, in Drosophila—increased endurance, improved sleep and feeding behavior, in G. bimaculatus—improved orientation in conspecific phonotaxis, enhanced aggressiveness, higher mating success, resistance to some disturbing stimuli. Many of these effects have previously been described in mammals as beneficial results of running, suggesting certain similarity between distantly-related species. Our hypothesis posits that the above modulation of cognitive functions results from changes in the organism’s predictive model. Intense movement is interpreted by the organism as predictive of change, in anticipation of which adjustments need to be made. Identifying the physiological and molecular mechanisms behind these adjustments is easier in experiments in invertebrates and may lead to the discovery of novel neurobiological mechanisms for regulation and correction of cognitive and emotional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Dyakonova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Varvara Dyakonova
| | - Maxim Mezheritskiy
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitri Boguslavsky
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Taisia Dyakonova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Chistopolsky
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Igor Zakharov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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16
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Abstract
The energy sensor AMP kinase (AMPK) and the master scaffolding protein, AXIN, are two major regulators of biological processes in metazoans. AXIN-dependent regulation of AMPK activation plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis during glucose-deprived and energy-stressed conditions. The two proteins are also required for muscle function. While studies have refined our knowledge of various cellular events that promote the formation of AXIN-AMPK complexes and the involvement of effector proteins, more work is needed to understand precisely how the pathway is regulated in response to various forms of stress. In this review, we discuss recent data on AXIN and AMPK interaction and its role in physiological changes leading to improved muscle health and an extension of lifespan. We argue that AXIN-AMPK signaling plays an essential role in maintaining muscle function and manipulating the pathway in a tissue-specific manner could delay muscle aging. Therefore, research on understanding the factors that regulate AXIN-AMPK signaling holds the potential for developing novel therapeutics to slow down or revert the age-associated decline in muscle function, thereby extending the healthspan of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Mallick
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S4K1, Canada
| | - Bhagwati P. Gupta
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S4K1, Canada
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17
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Fukada SI, Nakamura A. Exercise/Resistance Training and Muscle Stem Cells. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2021; 36:737-744. [PMID: 34372625 PMCID: PMC8419599 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2021.401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle has attracted attention as endocrine organ, because exercise-dependent cytokines called myokines/exerkines are released from skeletal muscle and are involved in systemic functions. While, local mechanical loading to skeletal muscle by exercise or resistance training alters myofiber type and size and myonuclear number. Skeletal muscle-resident stem cells, known as muscle satellite cells (MuSCs), are responsible for the increased number of myonuclei. Under steady conditions, MuSCs are maintained in a mitotically quiescent state but exit from that state and start to proliferate in response to high physical activity. Alterations in MuSC behavior occur when myofibers are damaged, but the lethal damage to myofibers does not seem to evoke mechanical loading-dependent MuSC activation and proliferation. Given that MuSCs proliferate without damage, it is unclear how the different behaviors of MuSCs are controlled by different physical activities. Recent studies demonstrated that myonuclear number reflects the size of myofibers; hence, it is crucial to know the properties of MuSCs and the mechanism of myonuclear accretion by MuSCs. In addition, the elucidation of mechanical load-dependent changes in muscle resident cells, including MuSCs, will be necessary for the discovery of new myokines/exerkines and understating skeletal muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Ichiro Fukada
- Project for Muscle Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Ayasa Nakamura
- Project for Muscle Stem Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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18
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GWAS reveal a role for the central nervous system in regulating weight and weight change in response to exercise. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5144. [PMID: 33664357 PMCID: PMC7933348 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84534-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Body size and weight show considerable variation both within and between species. This variation is controlled in part by genetics, but also strongly influenced by environmental factors including diet and the level of activity experienced by the individual. Due to the increasing obesity epidemic in much of the world, there is considerable interest in the genetic factors that control body weight and how weight changes in response to exercise treatments. Here, we address this question in the Drosophila model system, utilizing 38 strains of the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel. We use GWAS to identify the molecular pathways that control weight and weight changes in response to exercise. We find that there is a complex set of molecular pathways controlling weight, with many genes linked to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also plays a role in the weight change with exercise, in particular, signaling from the CNS. Additional analyses revealed that weight in Drosophila is driven by two factors, animal size, and body composition, as the amount of fat mass versus lean mass impacts the density. Thus, while the CNS appears to be important for weight and exercise-induced weight change, signaling pathways are particularly important for determining how exercise impacts weight.
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19
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Laranjeiro R, Harinath G, Pollard AK, Gaffney CJ, Deane CS, Vanapalli SA, Etheridge T, Szewczyk NJ, Driscoll M. Spaceflight affects neuronal morphology and alters transcellular degradation of neuronal debris in adult Caenorhabditis elegans. iScience 2021; 24:102105. [PMID: 33659873 PMCID: PMC7890410 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Extended space travel is a goal of government space agencies and private companies. However, spaceflight poses risks to human health, and the effects on the nervous system have to be better characterized. Here, we exploited the unique experimental advantages of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to explore how spaceflight affects adult neurons in vivo. We found that animals that lived 5 days of adulthood on the International Space Station exhibited hyperbranching in PVD and touch receptor neurons. We also found that, in the presence of a neuronal proteotoxic stress, spaceflight promotes a remarkable accumulation of neuronal-derived waste in the surrounding tissues, suggesting an impaired transcellular degradation of debris released from neurons. Our data reveal that spaceflight can significantly affect adult neuronal morphology and clearance of neuronal trash, highlighting the need to carefully assess the risks of long-duration spaceflight on the nervous system and to develop adequate countermeasures for safe space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Laranjeiro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Girish Harinath
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Amelia K. Pollard
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Medical School Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Christopher J. Gaffney
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
- Lancaster Medical School, Health Innovation One, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4AT, UK
| | - Colleen S. Deane
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Siva A. Vanapalli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Timothy Etheridge
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Medical School Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Monica Driscoll
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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20
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Taylor SKB, Minhas MH, Tong J, Selvaganapathy PR, Mishra RK, Gupta BP. C. elegans electrotaxis behavior is modulated by heat shock response and unfolded protein response signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3115. [PMID: 33542359 PMCID: PMC7862228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode C. elegans is a leading model to investigate the mechanisms of stress-induced behavioral changes coupled with biochemical mechanisms. Our group has previously characterized C. elegans behavior using a microfluidic-based electrotaxis device, and showed that worms display directional motion in the presence of a mild electric field. In this study, we describe the effects of various forms of genetic and environmental stress on the electrotactic movement of animals. Using exposure to chemicals, such as paraquat and tunicamycin, as well as mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR) mutants, we demonstrate that chronic stress causes abnormal movement. Additionally, we report that pqe-1 (human RNA exonuclease 1 homolog) is necessary for the maintenance of multiple stress response signaling and electrotaxis behavior of animals. Further, exposure of C. elegans to several environmental stress-inducing conditions revealed that while chronic heat and dietary restriction caused electrotaxis speed deficits due to prolonged stress, daily exercise had a beneficial effect on the animals, likely due to improved muscle health and transient activation of UPR. Overall, these data demonstrate that the electrotaxis behavior of worms is susceptible to cytosolic, mitochondrial, and ER stress, and that multiple stress response pathways contribute to its preservation in the face of stressful stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane K. B. Taylor
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Muhammad H. Minhas
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Justin Tong
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - P. Ravi Selvaganapathy
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Ram K. Mishra
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Bhagwati P. Gupta
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
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21
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Gonzalez-Hunt CP, Luz AL, Ryde IT, Turner EA, Ilkayeva OR, Bhatt DP, Hirschey MD, Meyer JN. Multiple metabolic changes mediate the response of Caenorhabditis elegans to the complex I inhibitor rotenone. Toxicology 2021; 447:152630. [PMID: 33188857 PMCID: PMC7750303 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, has been widely used to study the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on dopaminergic neurons in the context of Parkinson's disease. Although the deleterious effects of rotenone are well documented, we found that young adult Caenorhabditis elegans showed resistance to 24 and 48 h rotenone exposures. To better understand the response to rotenone in C. elegans, we evaluated mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters after 24 and 48 h exposures to 1 μM or 5 μM rotenone. Results suggested upregulation of mitochondrial complexes II and V following rotenone exposure, without major changes in oxygen consumption or steady-state ATP levels after rotenone treatment at the tested concentrations. We found evidence that the glyoxylate pathway (an alternate pathway not present in higher metazoans) was induced by rotenone exposure; gene expression measurements showed increases in mRNA levels for two complex II subunits and for isocitrate lyase, the key glyoxylate pathway enzyme. Targeted metabolomics analyses showed alterations in the levels of organic acids, amino acids, and acylcarnitines, consistent with the metabolic restructuring of cellular bioenergetic pathways including activation of complex II, the glyoxylate pathway, glycolysis, and fatty acid oxidation. This expanded understanding of how C. elegans responds metabolically to complex I inhibition via multiple bioenergetic adaptations, including the glyoxylate pathway, will be useful in interrogating the effects of mitochondrial and bioenergetic stressors and toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia P Gonzalez-Hunt
- Department of Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Anthony L Luz
- Department of Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Ian T Ryde
- Department of Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Elena A Turner
- Department of Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Olga R Ilkayeva
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, United States; Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Dhaval P Bhatt
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Matthew D Hirschey
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, United States; Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States; Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Department of Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States.
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22
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Nakano Y, Moriuchi M, Fukushima Y, Hayashi K, Suico MA, Kai H, Koutaki G, Shuto T. Intrapopulation analysis of longitudinal lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans identifies W09D10.4 as a novel AMPK-associated healthspan shortening factor. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 145:241-252. [PMID: 33602504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans is a model organism widely used for longevity studies. Current advances have been made in the methods that allow automated monitoring of C. elegans behavior. However, ordinary manual assays as well as automated methods have yet to achieve qualitative whole-life analysis of C. elegans longevity based on intrapopulation variation. Here, we utilized live-cell analysis system to determine the parameters of nematode lifespans. Image-based superposition method enabled to determine not only frailty in worms, but also to measure individual and longitudinal lifespan, healthspan, and frailspan. Notably, k-means clustering via principal component analysis revealed four clusters with distinct longevity patterns in wild-type C. elegans. Physiological relevance of clustering was confirmed by assays with pharmacological and/or genetic manipulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial regulator of healthspan. Finally, we focused on W09D10.4 among the possible regulators extracted by integrative expression analysis with existing data sets. Importantly, W09D10.4 knockdown increased the high-healthspan populations only in the presence of AMPK, suggesting that W09D10.4 is a novel AMPK-associated healthspan shortening factor in C. elegans. Overall, the study establishes a novel platform of longitudinal lifespan in C. elegans, which is user-friendly, and may be a useful pharmacological tool to identify healthspan modulatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Nakano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan; Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO (Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Global Oriented) Program", 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Masataka Moriuchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan; Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO (Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Global Oriented) Program", 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Yutaro Fukushima
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan; Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO (Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Global Oriented) Program", 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Kyotaro Hayashi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Mary Ann Suico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| | - Go Koutaki
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan.
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23
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Christian CJ, Benian GM. Animal models of sarcopenia. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13223. [PMID: 32857472 PMCID: PMC7576270 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is the age-related decline in muscle mass and function without any underlying disease. The exact molecular mechanisms responsible for this pathology remain unknown. The use of model organisms, such as mice, rats, flies, and worms, has advanced the field of sarcopenia research by identifying therapeutic strategies and genetic mutations that result in improved muscle mass and function of elderly animals. This review discusses molecular and therapeutic discoveries made using these model organisms and how these animals can be further utilized to better understand sarcopenia pathogenesis. In rodents, flies, and worms, dietary restriction improves muscle performance in old animals. In rodents and worms, exercise and a number of naturally occurring compounds alleviate sarcopenia. Reduction in the insulin/IGF1 receptor pathway, well known to promote longevity, improves sarcopenia in worms and flies. Mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of sarcopenia: In rodents, there is age-dependent reduction in mitochondrial mass and a change in morphology; in nematodes, there is age-dependent fragmentation of mitochondria that precedes sarcomeric disorganization. In Drosophila and rats, components of the 26S proteasome are elevated in aged muscle. An advantage of the worm and fly models is that these organisms lack muscle stem cells, and thus processes that promote the maintenance of already assembled muscle, can be identified without the confounding influence of muscle regeneration. Zebrafish are an up and coming model of sarcopenia for future consideration. A better understanding of the molecular changes behind sarcopenia will help researchers develop better therapies to improve the muscle health of elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy M. Benian
- Department of Pathology Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA
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24
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Rahman M, Edwards H, Birze N, Gabrilska R, Rumbaugh KP, Blawzdziewicz J, Szewczyk NJ, Driscoll M, Vanapalli SA. NemaLife chip: a micropillar-based microfluidic culture device optimized for aging studies in crawling C. elegans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16190. [PMID: 33004810 PMCID: PMC7530743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report a microfluidic device for the whole-life culture of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that allows the scoring of animal survival and health measures. This device referred to as the NemaLife chip features: (1) an optimized micropillar arena in which animals can crawl, (2) sieve channels that separate progeny and prevent the loss of adults from the arena during culture maintenance, and (3) ports that allow rapid accessibility for feeding the adult-only population and introducing reagents as needed. The pillar arena geometry was optimized to accommodate the growing body size during culture and emulate the body gait and locomotion of animals reared on agar. Likewise, feeding protocols were optimized to recapitulate longevity outcomes typical of standard plate growth. Key benefits of the NemaLife Chip include eliminating the need to perform repeated manual transfers of adults during survival assays, negating the need for progeny-blocking chemical interventions, and avoiding the swim-induced stress across lifespan in animals reared in liquid. We also show that the culture of animals in pillar-less microfluidic chambers reduces lifespan and introduces physiological stress by increasing the occurrence of age-related vulval integrity disorder. We validated our pillar-based device with longevity analyses of classical aging mutants (daf-2, age-1, eat-2, and daf-16) and animals subjected to RNAi knockdown of age-related genes (age-1 and daf-16). We also showed that healthspan measures such as pharyngeal pumping and tap-induced stimulated reversals can be scored across the lifespan in the NemaLife chip. Overall, the capacity to generate reliable lifespan and physiological data underscores the potential of the NemaLife chip to accelerate healthspan and lifespan investigations in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Hunter Edwards
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Nikolajs Birze
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Rebecca Gabrilska
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Kendra P Rumbaugh
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Jerzy Blawzdziewicz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Szewczyk
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Monica Driscoll
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Siva A Vanapalli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
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25
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Barrere-Cain R, Allard P. An Understudied Dimension: Why Age Needs to Be Considered When Studying Epigenetic-Environment Interactions. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720947014. [PMID: 32864568 PMCID: PMC7430070 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720947014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We live in a complex chemical environment where there are an estimated 350 000 chemical compounds or mixtures commercially produced. A strong body of literature shows that there are time points during early development when an organism’s epigenome is particularly sensitive to chemicals in its environment. What is less understood is how gene-environment and epigenetic-environment interactions change with age. This question is bidirectional: (1) how do chemicals in the environment affect the aging process and (2) how does aging affect an organism’s response to its chemical environment? The study of gene-environment interactions with age is especially important because, in many parts of the world, older individuals are a large and rapidly growing proportion of the population and because aging is a process universal to most of the animal kingdom. Epigenetics has emerged as a crucial framework for studying aging as epigenetic pathways, often triggered by environmental stimuli, have been shown to be essential regulators of the aging process. In this perspective article, we delineate the connection between aging, epigenetics, and environmental exposures. We discuss why it is essential to consider age when researching how an organism interacts with its environment. We describe recent advances in understanding how the chemical environment affects aging and the gap in research on how age affects an organism’s response to the environment. Finally, we highlight how model organisms and network approaches can help fill this crucial gap. Taken together, systemic changes that occur in the epigenome with age indicate that adult organisms cannot be treated as a homogeneous population and that there are discrete mechanisms modulating the aging epigenome that we do not yet understand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio Barrere-Cain
- Institute for Society & Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society & Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Bulterijs S, Braeckman BP. Phenotypic Screening in C. elegans as a Tool for the Discovery of New Geroprotective Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E164. [PMID: 32722365 PMCID: PMC7463874 DOI: 10.3390/ph13080164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Population aging is one of the largest challenges of the 21st century. As more people live to advanced ages, the prevalence of age-related diseases and disabilities will increase placing an ever larger burden on our healthcare system. A potential solution to this conundrum is to develop treatments that prevent, delay or reduce the severity of age-related diseases by decreasing the rate of the aging process. This ambition has been accomplished in model organisms through dietary, genetic and pharmacological interventions. The pharmacological approaches hold the greatest opportunity for successful translation to the clinic. The discovery of such pharmacological interventions in aging requires high-throughput screening strategies. However, the majority of screens performed for geroprotective drugs in C. elegans so far are rather low throughput. Therefore, the development of high-throughput screening strategies is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Bulterijs
- Laboratory of Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart P. Braeckman
- Laboratory of Aging Physiology and Molecular Evolution, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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27
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Sofela S, Sahloul S, Bhattacharjee S, Bose A, Usman U, Song YA. Quantitative fluorescence imaging of mitochondria in body wall muscles of Caenorhabditis elegans under hyperglycemic conditions using a microfluidic chip. Integr Biol (Camb) 2020; 12:150-160. [DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disease, and insulin resistance plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Because completely functional mitochondria are necessary to obtain glucose-stimulated insulin from pancreatic beta cells, dysfunction of mitochondrial oxidative pathway could be involved in the development of diabetes. As a simple animal model, Caenorhabditis elegans renders itself to investigate such metabolic mechanisms because it possesses insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway similar to that in humans. Currently, the widely spread agarose pad-based immobilization technique for fluorescence imaging of the mitochondria in C. elegans is laborious, batchwise, and does not allow for facile handling of the worm. To overcome these technical challenges, we have developed a single-channel microfluidic device that can trap a C. elegans and allow to image the mitochondria in body wall muscles accurately and in higher throughput than the traditional approach. In specific, our microfluidic device took advantage of the proprioception of the worm to rotate its body in a microfluidic channel with an aspect ratio above one to gain more space for its undulation motion that was favorable for quantitative fluorescence imaging of mitochondria in the body wall muscles. Exploiting this unique feature of the microfluidic chip-based immobilization and fluorescence imaging, we observed a significant decrease in the mitochondrial fluorescence intensity under hyperglycemic conditions, whereas the agarose pad-based approach did not show any significant change under the same conditions. A machine learning model trained with these fluorescence images from the microfluidic device could classify healthy and hyperglycemic worms at high accuracy. Given this significant technological advantage, its easiness of use and low cost, our microfluidic imaging chip could become a useful immobilization tool for quantitative fluorescence imaging of the body wall muscles in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Sofela
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Sahloul
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sukanta Bhattacharjee
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, India
| | - Ambar Bose
- Kallistos Infotech Private Limited, Kolkata, India
| | - Ushna Usman
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yong-Ak Song
- Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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28
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Gaffney CJ, Pollard A, Barratt TF, Constantin-Teodosiu D, Greenhaff PL, Szewczyk NJ. Greater loss of mitochondrial function with ageing is associated with earlier onset of sarcopenia in C. elegans. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:3382-3396. [PMID: 30455409 PMCID: PMC6286836 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, the age-related decline of muscle, is a significant and growing public health burden. C. elegans, a model organism for investigating the mechanisms of ageing, also displays sarcopenia, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain elusive. Here, we use C. elegans natural scaling of lifespan in response to temperature to examine the relationship between mitochondrial content, mitochondrial function, and sarcopenia. Mitochondrial content and maximal mitochondrial ATP production rates (MAPR) display an inverse relationship to lifespan, while onset of MAPR decline displays a direct relationship. Muscle mitochondrial structure, sarcomere structure, and movement decline also display a direct relationship with longevity. Notably, the decline in mitochondrial network structure occurs earlier than sarcomere decline, and correlates more strongly with loss of movement, and scales with lifespan. These results suggest that mitochondrial function is critical in the ageing process and more robustly explains the onset and progression of sarcopenia than loss of sarcomere structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Gaffney
- MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Lancaster University Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Amelia Pollard
- MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Thomas F Barratt
- MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dumitru Constantin-Teodosiu
- MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul L Greenhaff
- MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nathaniel J Szewczyk
- MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, NIHR Nottingham BRC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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29
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Swim exercise in Caenorhabditis elegans extends neuromuscular and gut healthspan, enhances learning ability, and protects against neurodegeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:23829-23839. [PMID: 31685639 PMCID: PMC6876156 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909210116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise is a powerful antiaging intervention that protects against cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, sarcopenia, and cancer. How exercise promotes health benefits to multiple tissues in the body, however, remains poorly understood. We establish a young adult swim exercise regimen for the short-lived nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that induces health benefits at the neuromuscular, intestinal, and cognitive levels and protects against neurodegeneration in models of tauopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Importantly, we found that swim exercise performed exclusively in early adulthood promotes long-lasting systemic benefits that are still detectable in midlife. The advantages of C. elegans as a short-lived genetic model will allow for dissection of the molecular circuitry involved in system-wide exercise benefits. Regular physical exercise is the most efficient and accessible intervention known to promote healthy aging in humans. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate system-wide exercise benefits, however, remain poorly understood, especially as applies to tissues that do not participate directly in training activity. The establishment of exercise protocols for short-lived genetic models will be critical for deciphering fundamental mechanisms of transtissue exercise benefits to healthy aging. Here we document optimization of a long-term swim exercise protocol for Caenorhabditis elegans and we demonstrate its benefits to diverse aging tissues, even if exercise occurs only during a restricted phase of adulthood. We found that multiple daily swim sessions are essential for exercise adaptation, leading to body wall muscle improvements in structural gene expression, locomotory performance, and mitochondrial morphology. Swim exercise training enhances whole-animal health parameters, such as mitochondrial respiration and midlife survival, increases functional healthspan of the pharynx and intestine, and enhances nervous system health by increasing learning ability and protecting against neurodegeneration in models of tauopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Remarkably, swim training only during early adulthood induces long-lasting systemic benefits that in several cases are still detectable well into midlife. Our data reveal the broad impact of swim exercise in promoting extended healthspan of multiple C. elegans tissues, underscore the potency of early exercise experience to influence long-term health, and establish the foundation for exploiting the powerful advantages of this genetic model for the dissection of the exercise-dependent molecular circuitry that confers system-wide health benefits to aging adults.
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30
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Lee YM, Lee DH. Mitochondrial Toxins and Healthy Lifestyle Meet at the Crossroad of Hormesis. Diabetes Metab J 2019; 43:568-577. [PMID: 31694079 PMCID: PMC6834830 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2019.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial function is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis under physiological and stress conditions. Thus, chronic exposure to environmental chemicals that affect mitochondrial function can have harmful effects on humans. We argue that the concept of hormesis should be revisited to explain the non-linear responses to mitochondrial toxins at a low-dose range and develop practical methods to protect humans from the negative effects of mitochondrial toxins. Of the most concern to humans are lipophilic chemical mixtures and heavy metals, owing to their physical properties. Even though these chemicals tend to demonstrate no safe level in humans, a non-linear dose-response has been also observed. Stress response activation, i.e., hormesis, can explain this non-linearity. Recently, hormesis has reemerged as a unifying concept because diverse stressors can induce similar stress responses. Besides potentially harmful environmental chemicals, healthy lifestyle interventions such as exercise, calorie restriction (especially glucose), cognitive stimulation, and phytochemical intake also activate stress responses. This conceptual link can lead to the development of practical methods that counterbalance the harm of mitochondrial toxins. Unlike chemical hormesis with its safety issues, the activation of stress responses via lifestyle modification can be safely used to combat the negative effects of mitochondrial toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mi Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Duk Hee Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
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31
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Physical exertion exacerbates decline in the musculature of an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:3508-3517. [PMID: 30755520 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811379116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder caused by loss of the protein dystrophin. In humans, DMD has early onset, causes developmental delays, muscle necrosis, loss of ambulation, and death. Current animal models have been challenged by their inability to model the early onset and severity of the disease. It remains unresolved whether increased sarcoplasmic calcium observed in dystrophic muscles follows or leads the mechanical insults caused by the muscle's disrupted contractile machinery. This knowledge has important implications for patients, as potential physiotherapeutic treatments may either help or exacerbate symptoms, depending on how dystrophic muscles differ from healthy ones. Recently we showed how burrowing dystrophic (dys-1) C. elegans recapitulate many salient phenotypes of DMD, including loss of mobility and muscle necrosis. Here, we report that dys-1 worms display early pathogenesis, including dysregulated sarcoplasmic calcium and increased lethality. Sarcoplasmic calcium dysregulation in dys-1 worms precedes overt structural phenotypes (e.g., mitochondrial, and contractile machinery damage) and can be mitigated by reducing calmodulin expression. To learn how dystrophic musculature responds to altered physical activity, we cultivated dys-1 animals in environments requiring high intensity or high frequency of muscle exertion during locomotion. We find that several muscular parameters (e.g., size) improve with increased activity. However, longevity in dystrophic animals was negatively associated with muscular exertion, regardless of effort duration. The high degree of phenotypic conservation between dystrophic worms and humans provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the pathology of the disease as well as the initial assessment of potential treatment strategies.
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32
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Cothren SD, Meyer JN, Hartman JH. Blinded Visual Scoring of Images Using the Freely-available Software Blinder. Bio Protoc 2018; 8:e3103. [PMID: 30761327 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In nearly all subfields of biomedical sciences, there are phenotypes that are currently classified by expert visual scoring. In research applications, these classifications require the experimenter to be blinded to the treatment group in order to avoid unintentional bias in scoring. Currently, many labs either use laborious and tedious methods to manually blind the images, require multiple experimenters to gather and score the data blindly or fail to properly blind the data altogether. In this protocol, we present a simple, freely available software that we created that allows the experimenter to blindly score images. In our protocol, the user loads unblinded images and defines a scoring system. The software then shows the user the images in a random order, allowing the user to select a score from their defined scoring system for each image. Furthermore, the software has an optional "quality control" mechanism where the user will be shown some images multiple times to test the robustness of the visual scoring. Finally, the software summarizes the results in an exportable file that includes unblinded summary data for each group and a full list of images with their scores. In this protocol, we briefly present directions for using the software, potential applications, and caveats/limitations to this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessica H Hartman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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