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Demianchuk O, Lylyk M, Balatskiy V, Gospodaryov D, Bayliak M. Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation in long-lived Drosophila melanogaster: Impact on lifespan and metabolic responses. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 116:e22116. [PMID: 38739777 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Studies on antiaging remedies in insect models sometimes show discrepancies in results. These discrepancies could be explained by different responses of short- and long-lived strains on the antiaging remedies. The purpose of the study was to test whether life-prolonging effects of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), observed in nematodes and fruit flies, would be reproduced in long-lived Drosophila melanogaster flies. Lifespan was assayed in flies kept in demographic cages. Fecundity, proportion of flies capable of negative geotaxis, starvation resistance, time of heat coma onset, levels of triacyglycerols, body glucose, glycogen, activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, lactate, and glutamate dehydrogenases were assessed. Dietary AKG did not affect fly lifespan on the diet with 5% yeast and 5% sucrose (5Y:5S) and on the diet with 9% yeast and 1% sucrose (9Y:1S), but increased lifespan on the low-protein diet (1Y:9S). Twenty-five-day-old female flies fed a 5Y:5S diet with 10 mM AKG for 3 weeks, did not differ from the control group (without AKG) in climbing activity, resistance to heat stress, and starvation. The levels of glucose and glycogen were unaffected but the levels of triacylglycerols were lower in AKG-fed female flies. No differences in activities of glycolytic enzymes, NADPH-producing enzymes, glutamate dehydrogenase, oxygen consumption, and levels of oxidative stress markers were observed between the control and AKG-fed flies. However, AKG-fed flies had lower activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase. These results suggest that potential antiaging remedies, such as AKG, may not extend lifespan in long-living organisms despite influencing several metabolic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleh Demianchuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Maria Lylyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Balatskiy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Gospodaryov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Maria Bayliak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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Sakakibara Y, Yamashiro R, Chikamatsu S, Hirota Y, Tsubokawa Y, Nishijima R, Takei K, Sekiya M, Iijima KM. Drosophila Toll-9 is induced by aging and neurodegeneration to modulate stress signaling and its deficiency exacerbates tau-mediated neurodegeneration. iScience 2023; 26:105968. [PMID: 36718365 PMCID: PMC9883205 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila Toll-9 is most closely related to mammalian Toll-like receptors; however, physiological functions of Toll-9 remain elusive. We examined the roles of Toll-9 in fly brains in aging and neurodegeneration. Toll-9 mRNA levels were increased in aged fly heads accompanied by activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signaling, and many of these changes were modulated by Toll-9 in glial cells. The loss of Toll-9 did not affect lifespan or brain integrity, whereas it exacerbated hydrogen peroxide-induced lethality. Toll-9 expression was also induced by nerve injury but did not affect acute stress response or glial engulfment activity, suggesting Toll-9 may modulate subsequent neurodegeneration. In a fly tauopathy model, Toll-9 deficiency enhanced neurodegeneration and disease-related tau phosphorylation with reduced SAPK activity, and blocking SAPK enhanced tau phosphorylation and neurodegeneration. In sum, Toll-9 is induced upon aging and nerve injury and affects neurodegeneration by modulating stress kinase signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasufumi Sakakibara
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Risa Yamashiro
- Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Sachie Chikamatsu
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan
| | - Yu Hirota
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Reseach Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Tsubokawa
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Risa Nishijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kimi Takei
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Michiko Sekiya
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan,Corresponding author
| | - Koichi M. Iijima
- Department of Neurogenetics, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi 474-8511, Japan,Department of Experimental Gerontology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan,Corresponding author
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3
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Ogienko AA, Omelina ES, Bylino OV, Batin MA, Georgiev PG, Pindyurin AV. Drosophila as a Model Organism to Study Basic Mechanisms of Longevity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11244. [PMID: 36232546 PMCID: PMC9569508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression determines the fate and function of various cells and tissues and, as a consequence, the correct development and functioning of complex organisms. Certain mechanisms of gene activity regulation provide adequate cell responses to changes in environmental factors. Aside from gene expression disorders that lead to various pathologies, alterations of expression of particular genes were shown to significantly decrease or increase the lifespan in a wide range of organisms from yeast to human. Drosophila fruit fly is an ideal model system to explore mechanisms of longevity and aging due to low cost, easy handling and maintenance, large number of progeny per adult, short life cycle and lifespan, relatively low number of paralogous genes, high evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms and signalling pathways, and availability of a wide range of tools to modulate gene expression in vivo. Here, we focus on the organization of the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways whose components significantly influence the aging process and on the interconnections of these pathways with gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Ogienko
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Bylino
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Batin
- Open Longevity, 15260 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA 91403, USA
| | - Pavel G. Georgiev
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Pindyurin
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Kanno K, Kayashima Y, Tamura K, Miyara T, Baba K, Koganei M, Natsume M, Imai S. Fatty acid tryptamide from cacao elongates Drosophila melanogaster lifespan with sirtuin-dependent heat shock protein expression. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12080. [PMID: 35840713 PMCID: PMC9287426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16471-1] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Life span is increasing in developed countries as Japan, and an aging society is becoming a problem. In fact, healthy lifespan is not extended, and it is desired to extend it by functional food. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) contains various active components and is considered a preventative agent against metabolic disease. In addition, it has long been thought that regular cacao intake extends a healthy lifespan. However, there is no direct evidence for this belief. The purpose of this study is to identify the cacao component that elongate the lifespan of D. melanogaster as a model organism and to elucidate its functional mechanism. The activation of sirtuins, a family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases, has been reported to extend the lifespans of various organisms. Heat shock factor 1 is known to be deacetylated by reaction with sirtuins, thereby inducing gene expression of various heat shock proteins by heat stress and effectively extending the lifespan of organisms. Therefore, we evaluated whether components in cacao activate sirtuins and extend the lifespan of D. melanogaster. In the process, we discovered the fatty acid tryptamide as a lifespan-elongating component of cacao. Therefore, we investigated whether the fatty acid tryptamide from cacao upregulates the genes of heat shock proteins. As a result, it was confirmed that the gene expression of multiple heat shock proteins was significantly increased. This suggests that fatty acid tryptamide may activate sirtuins, increase gene expression of heat shock proteins, and elongate the lifespan of D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiko Kanno
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kayashima
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Yamanashi Gakuin Junior College, 2-4-5 Sakaori, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 400-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuji Tamura
- Meiji.Co., Ltd., 1-29-1, Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0919, Japan
| | - Takako Miyara
- Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd., 788, Kayama, Odawara, Kanagawa, 250-0852, Japan
| | - Kento Baba
- Meiji.Co., Ltd., 1-29-1, Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0919, Japan
| | - Megumi Koganei
- Meiji.Co., Ltd., 1-29-1, Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0919, Japan
| | - Midori Natsume
- Meiji.Co., Ltd., 1-29-1, Nanakuni, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0919, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Imai
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan.
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5
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Liu X, Jin Z, Summers S, Derous D, Li M, Li B, Li L, Speakman JR. Calorie restriction and calorie dilution have different impacts on body fat, metabolism, behavior, and hypothalamic gene expression. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110835. [PMID: 35584669 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Caloric restriction is a robust intervention to increase lifespan. Giving less food (calorie restriction [CR]) or allowing free access to a diluted diet with indigestible components (calorie dilution [CD]) are two methods to impose restriction. CD does not generate the same lifespan effect as CR. We compare responses of C57BL/6 mice with equivalent levels of CR and CD. The two groups have different responses in fat loss, circulating hormones, and metabolic rate. CR mice are hungrier, as assessed by behavioral assays. Although gene expression of Npy, Agrp, and Pomc do not differ between CR and CD groups, CR mice had a distinctive hypothalamic gene-expression profile with many genes related to starvation upregulated relative to CD. While both result in lower calorie intake, CR and CD are not equivalent procedures. Increased hunger under CR supports the hypothesis that hunger signaling is a key process mediating the benefits of CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PRC; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, PRC; Research Group Adipocytes and Metabolism, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany; Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstraße 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Zengguang Jin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Stephanie Summers
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, PRC
| | - Davina Derous
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, PRC
| | - Min Li
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Baoguo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PRC
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PRC
| | - John R Speakman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, PRC; CAS Center of Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Kunming, PRC.
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6
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Krittika S, Yadav P. An overview of two decades of diet restriction studies using Drosophila. Biogerontology 2019; 20:723-740. [PMID: 31375967 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-019-09827-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) is a potent forerunner in aging studies capable of influencing lifespan and improving health in various model organisms even in their old age. Despite the importance of protein and carbohydrates in the diet (regulation of fecundity and body maintenance respectively), different ratio based combinations of these components has played a major role in lifespan extension studies. In spite of differences existing in dietary protocols across laboratories, diet manipulations have evolved as a major area of research in Drosophila lifespan studies, prominently shedding light on the multi-faceted process over the last two decades. Here, we review various advances and technicalities involved in understanding the DR-mediated lifespan alongside discussing the pros and cons of various existing approaches/diets used across labs. The current review also focuses on the importance of life-stage specific DR implementation and their influence on the life-history traits including lifespan and fecundity, by taking examples of results from different studies comprising diet dilution, calorie restriction, protein restriction, carbohydrate: protein ratios and the modulations in various minor diet components. We thereby intend to gather the major advances made in these fields alongside reviewing the practical implementations that need to be made to get a better view of the DR-mediated lifespan studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhakar Krittika
- Fly Laboratory # 210, Anusandhan Kendra-II, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Fly Laboratory # 210, Anusandhan Kendra-II, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India.
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7
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Mao C, Yuan JQ, Lv YB, Gao X, Yin ZX, Kraus VB, Luo JS, Chei CL, Matchar DB, Zeng Y, Shi XM. Associations between superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and all-cause mortality in older adults: a community-based cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:104. [PMID: 30987591 PMCID: PMC6466801 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is an important theory of aging but population-based evidence has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between biomarkers of oxidative stress, including plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), with all-cause mortality in older adults. METHODS This is a community-based cohort study of 2224 participants (women:1227, median age: 86 years). We included individuals aged 65 or above and with plasma SOD activity and/or MDA tests at baseline. We evaluated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by multivariable Cox models. RESULTS We documented 858 deaths during six years of follow-up. There was a significant interaction effect of sex with the association between SOD activity and mortality (P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quintile, the risk of all-cause mortality was inversely associated with increasing quintiles of plasma SOD activity in women(P-trend< 0.001), with adjusted HRs for the second through fifth quintiles of 0.73 (95% CI 0.53-1.02), 0.52(95% CI 0.38-0.72), 0.53(95% CI 0.39-0.73), and 0.48(95% CI 0.35-0.66). There were no significant associations between SOD activity and mortality in men (P-trend = 0.64), and between MDA and mortality in all participants (P-trend = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS Increased activity of SOD was independently associated with lower all-cause mortality in older women but not in men. This epidemiological study lent support for the free radical/oxidative stress theory of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Mao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin-Qiu Yuan
- Scientific Research & International Exchange Department, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yue-Bin Lv
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #7 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Nutritional Epidemiology Lab, Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhao-Xue Yin
- Nutritional Epidemiology Lab, Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia Byers Kraus
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jie-Si Luo
- Division of Non-Communicable Disease Control and Community Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Choy-Lye Chei
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Bruce Matchar
- Program in Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Study of Healthy Aging and Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Center for the study of Aging and Human Development and the Geriatric Division of School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Study of Healthy Aging and Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Shi
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #7 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Nutritional Epidemiology Lab, Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Millington JW, Rideout EJ. Sex differences in Drosophila development and physiology. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Mills BB, Thomas AD, Riddle NC. HP1B is a euchromatic Drosophila HP1 homolog with links to metabolism. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205867. [PMID: 30346969 PMCID: PMC6197686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1) proteins are an important family of chromosomal proteins conserved among all major eukaryotic lineages. While HP1 proteins are best known for their role in heterochromatin, many HP1 proteins function in euchromatin as well. As a group, HP1 proteins carry out diverse functions, playing roles in the regulation of gene expression, genome stability, chromatin structure, and DNA repair. While the heterochromatic HP1 proteins are well studied, our knowledge of HP1 proteins with euchromatic distribution is lagging behind. We have created the first mutations in HP1B, a Drosophila HP1 protein with euchromatic function, and the Drosophila homolog most closely related to mammalian HP1α, HP1β, and HP1γ. We find that HP1B is a non-essential protein in Drosophila, with mutations affecting fertility and animal activity levels. In addition, animals lacking HP1B show altered food intake and higher body fat levels. Gene expression analysis of animals lacking HP1B demonstrates that genes with functions in various metabolic processes are affected primarily by HP1B loss. Our findings suggest that there is a link between the chromatin protein HP1B and the regulation of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B. Mills
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Thomas
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Nicole C. Riddle
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Drosophila larvae fed palm fruit juice (PFJ) delay pupation via expression regulation of hormetic stress response genes linked to ageing and longevity. Exp Gerontol 2018; 106:198-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Symonenko AV, Roshina NV, Krementsova AV, Pasyukova EG. Reduced Neuronal Transcription of Escargot, the Drosophila Gene Encoding a Snail-Type Transcription Factor, Promotes Longevity. Front Genet 2018; 9:151. [PMID: 29760717 PMCID: PMC5936762 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several genes involved in complex neuron specification networks have been shown to control life span. However, information on these genes is scattered, and studies to discover new neuronal genes and gene cascades contributing to life span control are needed, especially because of the recognized role of the nervous system in governing homeostasis, aging, and longevity. Previously, we demonstrated that several genes that encode RNA polymerase II transcription factors and that are involved in the development of the nervous system affect life span in Drosophila melanogaster. Among other genes, escargot (esg) was demonstrated to be causally associated with an increase in the life span of male flies. Here, we present new data on the role of esg in life span control. We show that esg affects the life spans of both mated and unmated males and females to varying degrees. By analyzing the survival and locomotion of the esg mutants, we demonstrate that esg is involved in the control of aging. We show that increased longevity is caused by decreased esg transcription. In particular, we demonstrate that esg knockdown in the nervous system increased life span, directly establishing the involvement of the neuronal esg function in life span control. Our data invite attention to the mechanisms regulating the esg transcription rate, which is changed by insertions of DNA fragments of different sizes downstream of the structural part of the gene, indicating the direction of further research. Our data agree with the previously made suggestion that alterations in gene expression during development might affect adult lifespan, due to epigenetic patterns inherited in cell lineages or predetermined during the development of the structural and functional properties of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Symonenko
- Laboratory of Genome Variation, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia V Roshina
- Laboratory of Genome Variation, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genetic Basis of Biodiversity, N. I. Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Krementsova
- Laboratory of Genome Variation, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Kinetics and Mechanisms of Enzymatic and Catalytic Reactions, N. M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena G Pasyukova
- Laboratory of Genome Variation, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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12
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Sex and Genetic Background Influence Superoxide Dismutase (cSOD)-Related Phenotypic Variation in Drosophila melanogaster. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017. [PMID: 28624774 PMCID: PMC5555470 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.043836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mutations often have drastically different effects in different genetic backgrounds; understanding a gene’s biological function then requires an understanding of its interaction with genetic diversity. The antioxidant enzyme cytosolic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (cSOD) catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide radical, a molecule that can induce oxidative stress if its concentration exceeds cellular control. Accordingly, Drosophila melanogaster lacking functional cSOD exhibit a suite of phenotypes including decreased longevity, hypersensitivity to oxidative stress, impaired locomotion, and reduced NADP(H) enzyme activity in males. To date, cSOD-null phenotypes have primarily been characterized using males carrying one allele, cSodn108red, in a single genetic background. We used ANOVA, and the effect size partial eta squared, to partition the amount of variation attributable to cSOD activity, sex, and genetic background across a series of life history, locomotor, and biochemical phenotypes associated with the cSOD-null condition. Overall, the results demonstrate that the cSOD-null syndrome is largely consistent across sex and genetic background, but also significantly influenced by both. The sex-specific effects are particularly striking and our results support the idea that phenotypes cannot be considered to be fully defined if they are examined in limited genetic contexts.
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13
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Cohen AA. Aging across the tree of life: The importance of a comparative perspective for the use of animal models in aging. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:2680-2689. [PMID: 28690188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Use of model organisms in aging research is problematic because our ability to extrapolate across the tree of life is not clear. On one hand, there are conserved pathways that regulate lifespan in organisms including yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, and mice. On the other, many intermediate taxa across the tree of life appear not to age at all, and there is substantial variation in aging mechanisms and patterns, sometimes even between closely related species. There are good evolutionary and mechanistic reasons to expect this complexity, but it means that model organisms must be used with caution and that results must always be interpreted through a broader comparative framework. Additionally, it is essential to include research on non-traditional and unusual species, and to integrate mechanistic and demographic research. There will be no simple answers regarding the biology of aging, and research approaches should reflect this. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Animal models of aging - edited by Houtkooper Riekelt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan A Cohen
- Groupe de recherche PRIMUS, Department of Family Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Ave N, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.
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14
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Sutton JR, Blount JR, Libohova K, Tsou WL, Joshi GS, Paulson HL, Costa MDC, Scaglione KM, Todi SV. Interaction of the polyglutamine protein ataxin-3 with Rad23 regulates toxicity in Drosophila models of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1419-1431. [PMID: 28158474 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat expansion in the deubiquitinase ataxin-3 causes neurodegeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3), one of nine inherited, incurable diseases caused by similar mutations. Ataxin-3's degradation is inhibited by its binding to the proteasome shuttle Rad23 through ubiquitin-binding site 2 (UbS2). Disrupting this interaction decreases levels of ataxin-3. Since reducing levels of polyQ proteins can decrease their toxicity, we tested whether genetically modulating the ataxin-3-Rad23 interaction regulates its toxicity in Drosophila. We found that exogenous Rad23 increases the toxicity of pathogenic ataxin-3, coincident with increased levels of the disease protein. Conversely, reducing Rad23 levels alleviates toxicity in this SCA3 model. Unexpectedly, pathogenic ataxin-3 with a mutated Rad23-binding site at UbS2, despite being present at markedly lower levels, proved to be more pathogenic than a disease-causing counterpart with intact UbS2. Additional studies established that the increased toxicity upon mutating UbS2 stems from disrupting the autoprotective role that pathogenic ataxin-3 has against itself, which depends on the co-chaperone, DnaJ-1. Our data reveal a previously unrecognized balance between pathogenic and potentially therapeutic properties of the ataxin-3-Rad23 interaction; they highlight this interaction as critical for the toxicity of the SCA3 protein, and emphasize the importance of considering protein context when pursuing suppressive avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna R Sutton
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA
| | - Jessica R Blount
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA
| | - Kozeta Libohova
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA
| | - Gnanada S Joshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA
| | - Henry L Paulson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI, USA
| | | | - K Matthew Scaglione
- Department of Biochemistry and the Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, USA
| | - Sokol V Todi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA.,Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit MI, USA
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15
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Tissue-specific transcription of the neuronal gene Lim3 affects Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and locomotion. Biogerontology 2017; 18:739-757. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-017-9704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Kayashima Y, Katayanagi Y, Tanaka K, Fukutomi R, Hiramoto S, Imai S. Alkylresorcinols activate SIRT1 and delay ageing in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43679. [PMID: 28252007 PMCID: PMC5333101 DOI: 10.1038/srep43679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sirtuins are enzymes that catalyze NAD+ dependent protein deacetylation. The natural polyphenolic compound resveratrol received renewed interest when recent findings implicated resveratrol as a potent SIRT1 activator capable of mimicking the effects of calorie restriction. However, resveratrol directly interacts with fluorophore-containing peptide substrates. It was demonstrated that the SIRT1 activation of resveratrol is affected by the amino acid composition of the substrate. Resveratrol did increase the enzyme activity in cases in which hydrophobic amino acids are at the +1 position to the acetylated lysine in the substrate. Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are compounds that belong to the family of phenolic lipids, and they are found in numerous biological species. Here we show that the natural activators ARs increased the Vmax of recombinant SIRT1 for NAD+ and peptide substrate, and that ARs decreased acetylated histone in human monocyte cells by stimulating SIRT1-dependent deacetylation of substrates. ARs also extended the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster, which was shown to be dependent on functional Sir2. Our results demonstrated that ARs are natural catalytic activators for sirtuin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Kayashima
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Yamanashi Gakuin Junior College, 2-4-5 Sakaori, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi 400-8575, Japan
| | - Yuki Katayanagi
- Health Care Research Center, Nisshin Pharma Inc., 5-3-1, Fujimino, Saitama 356-8511, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka
- Health Care Research Center, Nisshin Pharma Inc., 5-3-1, Fujimino, Saitama 356-8511, Japan
| | - Ryuta Fukutomi
- Health Care Research Center, Nisshin Pharma Inc., 5-3-1, Fujimino, Saitama 356-8511, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hiramoto
- Health Care Research Center, Nisshin Pharma Inc., 5-3-1, Fujimino, Saitama 356-8511, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Imai
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
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Roussou IG, Savakis C, Tavernarakis N, Metaxakis A. Stage dependent nutritional regulation of transgenerational longevity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 4:47-54. [PMID: 28035341 PMCID: PMC5166517 DOI: 10.3233/nha-160012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Statistical analyses in human populations have associated limited food availability during development with increased longevity of next generations. In support, recent findings in Caenorhabditis elegans revealed nutritional effects on transgenerational longevity. OBJECTIVES: In this study we tested the effect of nutrition on longevity of future generations in Drosophila and whether this is sex-specific. METHODS: We reared male larvae and adults of Drosophila under different food conditions and performed lifespan analyses in F2 generation. RESULTS: Grandsons of males which experienced starvation through larval stages were long-lived and grandsons of well fed larvae were short lived, in two Drosophila strains. In one strain, the nutritional effect on transgenerational longevity was transmitted through male line. Interestingly, we find that dietary restriction in adult males is the main nutritional condition affecting lifespan of grandsons. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that nutritional regulation of transgenerational longevity is evolutionarily conserved and developmental stage – dependent in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete , Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Athanasios Metaxakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology , Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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18
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Highfill CA, Reeves GA, Macdonald SJ. Genetic analysis of variation in lifespan using a multiparental advanced intercross Drosophila mapping population. BMC Genet 2016; 17:113. [PMID: 27485207 PMCID: PMC4970266 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0419-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable natural variation for lifespan exists within human and animal populations. Genetically dissecting this variation can elucidate the pathways and genes involved in aging, and help uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying risk for age-related diseases. Studying aging in model systems is attractive due to their relatively short lifespan, and the ability to carry out programmed crosses under environmentally-controlled conditions. Here we investigate the genetic architecture of lifespan using the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource (DSPR), a multiparental advanced intercross mapping population. RESULTS We measured lifespan in females from 805 DSPR lines, mapping five QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) that each contribute 4-5 % to among-line lifespan variation in the DSPR. Each of these QTL co-localizes with the position of at least one QTL mapped in 13 previous studies of lifespan variation in flies. However, given that these studies implicate >90 % of the genome in the control of lifespan, this level of overlap is unsurprising. DSPR QTL intervals harbor 11-155 protein-coding genes, and we used RNAseq on samples of young and old flies to help resolve pathways affecting lifespan, and identify potentially causative loci present within mapped QTL intervals. Broad age-related patterns of expression revealed by these data recapitulate results from previous work. For example, we see an increase in antimicrobial defense gene expression with age, and a decrease in expression of genes involved in the electron transport chain. Several genes within QTL intervals are highlighted by our RNAseq data, such as Relish, a critical immune response gene, that shows increased expression with age, and UQCR-14, a gene involved in mitochondrial electron transport, that has reduced expression in older flies. CONCLUSIONS The five QTL we isolate collectively explain a considerable fraction of the genetic variation for female lifespan in the DSPR, and implicate modest numbers of genes. In several cases the candidate loci we highlight reside in biological pathways already implicated in the control of lifespan variation. Thus, our results provide further evidence that functional genetics tests targeting these genes will be fruitful, lead to the identification of natural sequence variants contributing to lifespan variation, and help uncover the mechanisms of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Highfill
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - G Adam Reeves
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Stuart J Macdonald
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA. .,Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66047, USA.
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19
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Basic mechanisms of longevity: A case study of Drosophila pro-longevity genes. Ageing Res Rev 2015; 24:218-31. [PMID: 26318059 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila is one of the most convenient model organisms in the genetics of aging and longevity. Unlike the nematodes, which allow for the detection of new pro-aging genes by knockout and RNAi-mediated knock-down, Drosophila also provides an opportunity to find new pro-longevity genes by driver-induced overexpression. Similar studies on other models are extremely rare. In this review, we focused on genes whose overexpression prolongs the life of fruit flies. The majority of longevity-associated genes regulates metabolism and stress resistance, and belongs to the IGF-1R, PI3K, PKB, AMPK and TOR metabolic regulation cluster and the FOXO, HDAC, p53 stress response cluster.
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20
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Changes Across Development Influence Visible and Cryptic Natural Variation of Drosophila melanogaster Olfactory Response. Evol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-015-9352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Miller PB, Obrik-Uloho OT, Phan MH, Medrano CL, Renier JS, Thayer JL, Wiessner G, Bloch Qazi MC. The song of the old mother: reproductive senescence in female drosophila. Fly (Austin) 2015; 8:127-39. [PMID: 25523082 DOI: 10.4161/19336934.2014.969144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Among animals with multiple reproductive episodes, changes in adult condition over time can have profound effects on lifetime reproductive fitness and offspring performance. The changes in condition associated with senescence can be particularly acute for females who support reproductive processes from oogenesis through fertilization. The pomace fly Drosophila melanogaster is a well-established model system for exploring the physiology of reproduction and senescence. In this review, we describe how increasing maternal age in Drosophila affects reproductive fitness and offspring performance as well as the genetic foundation of these effects. Describing the processes underlying female reproductive senescence helps us understand diverse phenomena including population demographics, condition-dependent selection, sexual conflict, and transgenerational effects of maternal condition on offspring fitness. Understanding the genetic basis of reproductive senescence clarifies the nature of life-history trade-offs as well as potential ways to augment and/or limit female fertility in a variety of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige B Miller
- a Department of Biology ; Gustavus Adolphus College ; St Peter , MN USA
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22
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Roshina NV, Symonenko AV, Krementsova AV, Trostnikov MV, Pasyukova EG. Embryonic expression of shuttle craft, a Drosophila gene involved in neuron development, is associated with adult lifespan. Aging (Albany NY) 2015; 6:1076-93. [PMID: 25567608 PMCID: PMC4298367 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite the progress in aging research that highlights the role of the nervous system in longevity, whether genes that control development and consequently structure of the nervous system affect lifespan is unclear. We demonstrated that a mutation in shuttle craft, a gene involved in the nervous system development, increased the lifespan of unmated females and decreased the lifespan of mated females, without affecting males. Precise reversions of the mutation lead to the restoration of the lifespan specific to control females. In mutant unmated females, increased lifespan was associated with elevated locomotion at older ages, indicating slowed aging. In mutant mated females, reproduction was decreased compared to controls, indicating a lack of tradeoff between this trait and lifespan. No differences in shuttle craft transcription were observed between whole bodies, ovaries, and brains of mutant and control females of different ages, either unmated or mated. The amount of shuttle craft transcript appeared to be substantially decreased in mutant embryos. Our results demonstrated that a gene that regulates development of the nervous system might also influence longevity, and thus expanded the spectrum of genes involved in lifespan control. We hypothesize that this “carry-over” effect might be the result of transcription regulation in embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Roshina
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 123182, Russia
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23
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Hou C, Amunugama K. On the complex relationship between energy expenditure and longevity: Reconciling the contradictory empirical results with a simple theoretical model. Mech Ageing Dev 2015; 149:50-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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24
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Mitchell CL, Yeager RD, Johnson ZJ, D’Annunzio SE, Vogel KR, Werner T. Long-Term Resistance of Drosophila melanogaster to the Mushroom Toxin Alpha-Amanitin. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127569. [PMID: 25978397 PMCID: PMC4433104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect resistance to toxins exerts not only a great impact on our economy, but also on the ecology of many species. Resistance to one toxin is often associated with cross-resistance to other, sometimes unrelated, chemicals. In this study, we investigated mushroom toxin resistance in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen). This fruit fly species does not feed on mushrooms in nature and may thus have evolved cross-resistance to α-amanitin, the principal toxin of deadly poisonous mushrooms, due to previous pesticide exposure. The three Asian D. melanogaster stocks used in this study, Ama-KTT, Ama-MI, and Ama-KLM, acquired α-amanitin resistance at least five decades ago in their natural habitats in Taiwan, India, and Malaysia, respectively. Here we show that all three stocks have not lost the resistance phenotype despite the absence of selective pressure over the past half century. In response to α-amanitin in the larval food, several signs of developmental retardation become apparent in a concentration-dependent manner: higher pre-adult mortality, prolonged larva-to-adult developmental time, decreased adult body size, and reduced adult longevity. In contrast, female fecundity nearly doubles in response to higher α-amanitin concentrations. Our results suggest that α-amanitin resistance has no fitness cost, which could explain why the resistance has persisted in all three stocks over the past five decades. If pesticides caused α-amanitin resistance in D. melanogaster, their use may go far beyond their intended effects and have long-lasting effects on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L. Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Roger D. Yeager
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zachary J. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Stephanie E. D’Annunzio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kara R. Vogel
- Department of Experimental and Systems Pharmacology, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Thomas Werner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Abstract
In the present study, we cloned and sequenced the mRNAs of the Sod3 [extracellular Cu Zn SOD (superoxide dismutase)] gene in Drosophila and identified two mRNA products formed by alternative splicing. These products code for a long and short protein derived from the four transcripts found in global expression studies (Flybase numbers Dmel\CG9027, FBgn0033631). Both mRNA process variants contain an extracellular signalling sequence, a region of high homology to the Sod1 (cytoplasmic Cu Zn SOD) including a conserved AUG start, with the longer form also containing a hydrophobic tail. The two fully processed transcripts are homologous to Caenorhabditis elegans Sod3 mRNA showing the same processing pattern. Using an established KG p-element+ insertion line (KG06029), we demonstrate that the Sod3 codes for an active Cu Zn SOD. We found differing expression patterns across sex with higher levels of expression of Sod3 in females. There is a correlation of Sod1 and Sod3 gene expression and activity that can explain why Sod3 was not seen in earlier studies of Sod1. Finally, we found no effect on lifespan with the Sod3 hypomorph mutation (Sod3KG06029) but did observe a significant increase in resistance to paraquat and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide). Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) in Drosophila is characterized for mRNA splice variants and sex-specific expression. A SOD3 mutant reveals no effect on longevity, enhanced resistance to paraquat and H202, and provided evidence suggesting an interaction with other superoxide dismutases.
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26
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Brett JO, Rando TA. Alive and well? Exploring disease by studying lifespan. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 26:33-40. [PMID: 25005743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A common concept in aging research is that chronological age is the most important risk factor for the development of diverse diseases, including degenerative diseases and cancers. The mechanistic link between the aging process and disease pathogenesis, however, is still enigmatic. Nevertheless, measurement of lifespan, as a surrogate for biological aging, remains among the most frequently used assays in aging research. In this review, we examine the connection between 'normal aging' and age-related disease from the point of view that they form a continuum of aging phenotypes. This notion of common mechanisms gives rise to the converse postulate that diseases may be risk factors for accelerated aging. We explore the advantages and caveats associated with using lifespan as a metric to understand cell and tissue aging, focusing on the elucidation of molecular mechanisms and potential therapies for age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O Brett
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Neurology Service and Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of Excellence, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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27
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Abstract
Cryptic genetic variation (CGV) is invisible under normal conditions, but it can fuel evolution when circumstances change. In theory, CGV can represent a massive cache of adaptive potential or a pool of deleterious alleles that are in need of constant suppression. CGV emerges from both neutral and selective processes, and it may inform about how human populations respond to change. CGV facilitates adaptation in experimental settings, but does it have an important role in the real world? Here, we review the empirical support for widespread CGV in natural populations, including its potential role in emerging human diseases and the growing evidence of its contribution to evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalise B Paaby
- Department of Biology, and Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, 12 Waverly Place, New York 10003, USA
| | - Matthew V Rockman
- Department of Biology, and Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, 12 Waverly Place, New York 10003, USA
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28
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Sgrò CM, van Heerwaarden B, Kellermann V, Wee CW, Hoffmann AA, Lee SF. Complexity of the genetic basis of ageing in nature revealed by a clinal study of lifespan and methuselah, a gene for ageing, in Drosophila from eastern Australia. Mol Ecol 2014; 22:3539-51. [PMID: 23802551 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clinal studies are a powerful tool for understanding the genetic basis of climatic adaptation. However, while clines in quantitative traits and genetic polymorphisms have been observed within and across continents, few studies have attempted to demonstrate direct links between them. The gene methuselah in Drosophila has been shown to have a major effect on stress response and longevity phenotypes based largely on laboratory studies of induced mutations in the mth gene. Clinal patterns in the most common mth haplotype and for lifespan (both increasing with latitude) have been observed in North American populations of D. melanogaster, implicating climatic selection. While these clinal patterns have led some to suggest that mth influences ageing in natural populations, limited evidence on the association between the two has so far been collected. Here, we describe a significant cline in the mth haplotype in eastern Australian D. melanogaster populations that parallel the cline in North America. We also describe a cline in mth gene expression. These findings further support the idea that mth is itself under selection. In contrast, we show that lifespan has a strong nonlinear clinal pattern, increasing southwards from the tropics, but then decreasing again from mid-latitudes. Furthermore, in association studies, we find no evidence for a direct link between mth haplotype and lifespan. Thus, while our data support a role for mth variation being under natural selection, we found no link to naturally occurring variation in lifespan and ageing in Australian populations of D. melanogaster. Our results indicate that the mth locus likely has genetic background and environment-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla M Sgrò
- Department of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., 3800, Australia.
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29
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Mackay TFC. Epistasis and quantitative traits: using model organisms to study gene-gene interactions. Nat Rev Genet 2014; 15:22-33. [PMID: 24296533 PMCID: PMC3918431 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 500] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of epistasis in the genetic architecture of quantitative traits is controversial, despite the biological plausibility that nonlinear molecular interactions underpin the genotype-phenotype map. This controversy arises because most genetic variation for quantitative traits is additive. However, additive variance is consistent with pervasive epistasis. In this Review, I discuss experimental designs to detect the contribution of epistasis to quantitative trait phenotypes in model organisms. These studies indicate that epistasis is common, and that additivity can be an emergent property of underlying genetic interaction networks. Epistasis causes hidden quantitative genetic variation in natural populations and could be responsible for the small additive effects, missing heritability and the lack of replication that are typically observed for human complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy F C Mackay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Campus Box 7614, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7614, USA
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30
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Lee KP, Kim JS, Min KJ. Sexual dimorphism in nutrient intake and life span is mediated by mating in Drosophila melanogaster. Anim Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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31
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Dickman CTD, Moehring AJ. Contribution of the X chromosome to a marked reduction in lifespan in interspecies female hybrids of Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana. J Evol Biol 2013; 27:25-33. [PMID: 24118420 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
When two species come into contact and interbreed, the production of unfit hybrids can limit or prevent gene flow between the populations, thus maintaining each species' separate identity. The genetic basis of this hybrid dysfunction has recently begun to be elucidated, particularly for hybrid sterility and inviability. Although these dysfunctions can certainly act as a barrier to gene flow, other post-zygotic barriers may also play an important role in isolating species from one another. This study examines the genetic basis of the more subtle mechanism of species isolation via a marked reduction in lifespan of interspecies hybrid offspring. We found that females with homozygous X chromosomes in an otherwise interspecies hybrid background displayed a significant reduction in lifespan; this effect is not due to genetic background and appears to arise from complex genetic interactions. Separately, there is an additional severe reduction in lifespan for attached-X females when they have mated with males of either parental species, which is partly due to interspecific genetic interactions, but primarily due to a female's increased sensitivity to mating when bearing a Y chromosome or the attached-X chromosome construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T D Dickman
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - A J Moehring
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Ziehm M, Piper MD, Thornton JM. Analysing variation in Drosophila aging across independent experimental studies: a meta-analysis of survival data. Aging Cell 2013; 12:917-22. [PMID: 23795998 PMCID: PMC3963443 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival records of longevity experiments are a key component in research on aging. However, surprisingly there have been very few cross-study analyses, besides comparisons of median lifespans or similar summary information. Here, we use a large set of full survival data from various studies to address questions in aging, which are beyond the scope of individual studies. We characterize survival differences between female and male flies of different genetic Drosophila strains, showing significant differences between strains. We further analyse the variation in survival of control cohorts recorded under highly similar conditions within different Drosophila strains. We found that overall transgenic constructs of the UAS/GAL4 expression system which should have no effect (e.g. a GAL4 construct alone) extend lifespan significantly in the w1118 strain. Using a large data set comprised of various studies, we found no evidence for larger lifespan extensions being associated with shorter lifespans of the control in Drosophila. This demonstrates that lifespan extending treatments are not purely rescuing weak backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ziehm
- EMBL – European Bioinformatics Institute Wellcome Trust Genome CampusHinxton Cambridge CB10 1SD UK
| | - Matthew D. Piper
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Janet M. Thornton
- EMBL – European Bioinformatics Institute Wellcome Trust Genome CampusHinxton Cambridge CB10 1SD UK
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Manfredini F, Riba-Grognuz O, Wurm Y, Keller L, Shoemaker D, Grozinger CM. Sociogenomics of cooperation and conflict during colony founding in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003633. [PMID: 23950725 PMCID: PMC3738511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the fundamental questions in biology is how cooperative and altruistic behaviors evolved. The majority of studies seeking to identify the genes regulating these behaviors have been performed in systems where behavioral and physiological differences are relatively fixed, such as in the honey bee. During colony founding in the monogyne (one queen per colony) social form of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta, newly-mated queens may start new colonies either individually (haplometrosis) or in groups (pleometrosis). However, only one queen (the “winner”) in pleometrotic associations survives and takes the lead of the young colony while the others (the “losers”) are executed. Thus, colony founding in fire ants provides an excellent system in which to examine the genes underpinning cooperative behavior and how the social environment shapes the expression of these genes. We developed a new whole genome microarray platform for S. invicta to characterize the gene expression patterns associated with colony founding behavior. First, we compared haplometrotic queens, pleometrotic winners and pleometrotic losers. Second, we manipulated pleometrotic couples in order to switch or maintain the social ranks of the two cofoundresses. Haplometrotic and pleometrotic queens differed in the expression of genes involved in stress response, aging, immunity, reproduction and lipid biosynthesis. Smaller sets of genes were differentially expressed between winners and losers. In the second experiment, switching social rank had a much greater impact on gene expression patterns than the initial/final rank. Expression differences for several candidate genes involved in key biological processes were confirmed using qRT-PCR. Our findings indicate that, in S. invicta, social environment plays a major role in the determination of the patterns of gene expression, while the queen's physiological state is secondary. These results highlight the powerful influence of social environment on regulation of the genomic state, physiology and ultimately, social behavior of animals. The characterization of the genomic basis for complex behaviors is one of the major goals of biological research. The genomic state of an individual results from the interplay between its internal condition (the “nature”) and the external environment (the “nurture”), which may include the social environment. Colony founding in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta is a complex process that serves as a useful model for investigating how the interplay between genes and social environment shapes social behavior. Unrelated, newly mated S. invicta queens may start a new colony as a group, but ultimately only one queen will survive and gain full reproductive dominance. By uncovering the genetic basis for founding behavior in fire ants we therefore provide useful insights into how cooperative behavior evolved in a context that might be considered primitively eusocial, because newly mated queens in a founding association are morphologically, physiologically and genetically very similar and display no evident division of labor. Our results suggest that social environment (founding singly or in pairs, switching dominance rank vs. maintaining rank) is a much greater driver of gene expression changes than social rank itself, suggesting that social environment, and not reproductive state, is a key regulator of gene expression, physiology and ultimately, behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Manfredini
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Mockett RJ, Nobles AC. Lack of robustness of life extension associated with several single-gene P element mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2013; 68:1157-69. [PMID: 23729660 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glt031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis tested in this study was that single-gene mutations found previously to extend the life span of Drosophila melanogaster could do so consistently in both long-lived y w and standard w (1118) genetic backgrounds. GAL4 drivers were used to express upstream activation sequence (UAS)-responder transgenes globally or in the nervous system. Transgenes associated with oxidative damage prevention (UAS-hSOD1 and UAS-GCLc) or removal (EP-UAS-Atg8a and UAS-dTOR (FRB) ) failed to increase mean life spans in any expression pattern in either genetic background. Flies containing a UAS-EGFP-bMSRA (C) transgene associated with protein repair were found not to exhibit life extension or detectable enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) activity. The presence of UAS-responder transgenes was confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing at the 5' and 3' end of each insertion. These results cast doubt on the robustness of life extension in flies carrying single-gene mutations and suggest that the effects of all such mutations should be tested independently in multiple genetic backgrounds and laboratory environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Mockett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Alabama, HAHN 4025, 5721 USA Drive N, Mobile, AL 36688.
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Linford NJ, Bilgir C, Ro J, Pletcher SD. Measurement of lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. J Vis Exp 2013:50068. [PMID: 23328955 DOI: 10.3791/50068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a phenomenon that results in steady physiological deterioration in nearly all organisms in which it has been examined, leading to reduced physical performance and increased risk of disease. Individual aging is manifest at the population level as an increase in age-dependent mortality, which is often measured in the laboratory by observing lifespan in large cohorts of age-matched individuals. Experiments that seek to quantify the extent to which genetic or environmental manipulations impact lifespan in simple model organisms have been remarkably successful for understanding the aspects of aging that are conserved across taxa and for inspiring new strategies for extending lifespan and preventing age-associated disease in mammals. The vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an attractive model organism for studying the mechanisms of aging due to its relatively short lifespan, convenient husbandry, and facile genetics. However, demographic measures of aging, including age-specific survival and mortality, are extraordinarily susceptible to even minor variations in experimental design and environment, and the maintenance of strict laboratory practices for the duration of aging experiments is required. These considerations, together with the need to practice careful control of genetic background, are essential for generating robust measurements. Indeed, there are many notable controversies surrounding inference from longevity experiments in yeast, worms, flies and mice that have been traced to environmental or genetic artifacts(1-4). In this protocol, we describe a set of procedures that have been optimized over many years of measuring longevity in Drosophila using laboratory vials. We also describe the use of the dLife software, which was developed by our laboratory and is available for download (http://sitemaker.umich.edu/pletcherlab/software). dLife accelerates throughput and promotes good practices by incorporating optimal experimental design, simplifying fly handling and data collection, and standardizing data analysis. We will also discuss the many potential pitfalls in the design, collection, and interpretation of lifespan data, and we provide steps to avoid these dangers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy J Linford
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Michigan, USA.
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Flies, worms and the Free Radical Theory of ageing. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:404-12. [PMID: 22504404 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans have provided the largest body of evidence addressing the Free Radical Theory of ageing, however the evidence has not been unequivocally supportive. Oxidative damage to DNA is probably not a major contributor, damage to lipids is assuming greater importance and damage to proteins probably the source of pathology. On balance the evidence does not support a primary role of oxidative damage in ageing in C. elegans, perhaps because of its particular energy metabolic and stress resistance profile. Evidence is more numerous, varied and consistent and hence more compelling for Drosophila, although not conclusive. However there is good evidence for a role of oxidative damage in later life pathology. Future work should: 1/ make more use of protein oxidative damage measurements; 2/ use inducible transgenic systems or pharmacotherapy to ensure genetic equivalence of controls and avoid confounding effects during development; 3/ to try to delay ageing, target interventions which reduce and/or repair protein oxidative damage.
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ROS in aging Caenorhabditis elegans: damage or signaling? OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2012; 2012:608478. [PMID: 22966416 PMCID: PMC3431105 DOI: 10.1155/2012/608478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many insights into the mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying aging have resulted from research on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In this paper, we discuss the recent findings that emerged using this model organism concerning the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aging process. The accrual of oxidative stress and damage has been the predominant mechanistic explanation for the process of aging for many years, but reviewing the recent studies in C. elegans calls this theory into question. Thus, it becomes more and more evident that ROS are not merely toxic byproducts of the oxidative metabolism. Rather it seems more likely that tightly controlled concentrations of ROS and fluctuations in redox potential are important mediators of signaling processes. We therefore discuss some theories that explain how redox signaling may be involved in aging and provide some examples of ROS functions and signaling in C. elegans metabolism. To understand the role of ROS and the redox status in physiology, stress response, development, and aging, there is a rising need for accurate and reversible in vivo detection. Therefore, we comment on some methods of ROS and redox detection with emphasis on the implementation of genetically encoded biosensors in C. elegans.
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Mockett RJ, Cockrell JC, Puri S, Nguyen M, Nisa M. Long-lived genotypes for studies of life extension in Drosophila melanogaster. Mech Ageing Dev 2012; 133:359-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Casso DJ, Liu S, Biehs B, Kornberg TB. Expression and characterization of Drosophila signal peptide peptidase-like (sppL), a gene that encodes an intramembrane protease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33827. [PMID: 22439002 PMCID: PMC3306293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intramembrane proteases of the Signal Peptide Peptidase (SPP) family play important roles in developmental, metabolic and signaling pathways. Although vertebrates have one SPP and four SPP-like (SPPL) genes, we found that insect genomes encode one Spp and one SppL. Characterization of the Drosophila sppL gene revealed that the predicted SppL protein is a highly conserved structural homolog of the vertebrate SPPL3 proteases, with a predicted nine-transmembrane topology, an active site containing aspartyl residues within a transmembrane region, and a carboxy-terminal PAL domain. SppL protein localized to both the Golgi and ER. Whereas spp is an essential gene that is required during early larval stages and whereas spp loss-of-function reduced the unfolded protein response (UPR), sppL loss of function had no apparent phenotype. This was unexpected given that genetic knockdown phenotypes in other organisms suggested significant roles for Spp-related proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Casso
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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40
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Rodovalho CM, Ferro M, Fonseca FP, Antonio EA, Guilherme IR, Henrique-Silva F, Bacci M. Expressed sequence tags from Atta laevigata and identification of candidate genes for the control of pest leaf-cutting ants. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:203. [PMID: 21682882 PMCID: PMC3132717 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leafcutters are the highest evolved within Neotropical ants in the tribe Attini and model systems for studying caste formation, labor division and symbiosis with microorganisms. Some species of leafcutters are agricultural pests controlled by chemicals which affect other animals and accumulate in the environment. Aiming to provide genetic basis for the study of leafcutters and for the development of more specific and environmentally friendly methods for the control of pest leafcutters, we generated expressed sequence tag data from Atta laevigata, one of the pest ants with broad geographic distribution in South America. Results The analysis of the expressed sequence tags allowed us to characterize 2,006 unique sequences in Atta laevigata. Sixteen of these genes had a high number of transcripts and are likely positively selected for high level of gene expression, being responsible for three basic biological functions: energy conservation through redox reactions in mitochondria; cytoskeleton and muscle structuring; regulation of gene expression and metabolism. Based on leafcutters lifestyle and reports of genes involved in key processes of other social insects, we identified 146 sequences potential targets for controlling pest leafcutters. The targets are responsible for antixenobiosis, development and longevity, immunity, resistance to pathogens, pheromone function, cell signaling, behavior, polysaccharide metabolism and arginine kynase activity. Conclusion The generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from Atta laevigata have provided important genetic basis for future studies on the biology of leaf-cutting ants and may contribute to the development of a more specific and environmentally friendly method for the control of agricultural pest leafcutters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynara M Rodovalho
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Univ, Estadual Paulista, Av, 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Mockett RJ, Sohal BH, Sohal RS. Expression of multiple copies of mitochondrially targeted catalase or genomic Mn superoxide dismutase transgenes does not extend the life span of Drosophila melanogaster. Free Radic Biol Med 2010; 49:2028-31. [PMID: 20923705 PMCID: PMC3006069 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2010.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The simultaneous overexpression of multiple copies of Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ectopic catalase (mtCat) transgenes in the mitochondria of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, was shown previously to diminish the life span. The hypothesis tested in this study was that this effect was due primarily to the presence of one or the other transgene. An alternative hypothesis was that both transgenes have additive, negative effects. Crosses were performed between five pairs of transgenic lines containing single-copy insertions of mtCat, Mn SOD, or P element vector control transgenes at unique loci, and the life spans of progeny containing two mtCat, Mn SOD, or vector insertions were determined. Increasing amounts of mitochondrial catalase activity tended to be associated with decreases in mean life span. Overexpression of two copies of the genomic Mn SOD transgene had no effect on life span. The results do not support the hypothesis that enhanced mitochondrial SOD or catalase activity promotes longevity in flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J. Mockett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Alabama, 307 University Blvd. N., Mobile, AL 36688
| | - Barbara H. Sohal
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Rajindar S. Sohal
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089
- To whom correspondence and proofs should be addressed: Tel.: 323-442-1860, Fax.: 323-224-7473,
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Pijpe J, Pul N, van Duijn S, Brakefield PM, Zwaan BJ. Changed gene expression for candidate ageing genes in long-lived Bicyclus anynana butterflies. Exp Gerontol 2010; 46:426-34. [PMID: 21118714 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2010.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Candidate genes for the regulation of lifespan have emerged from studies that use mutants and genetically manipulated model organisms. However, it is rarely addressed whether these genes contribute to lifespan variation in populations of these species that capture natural standing genetic variation. Here, we explore expression variation in three candidate ageing genes, Indy, sod2, and catalase, in Bicyclus anynana, a butterfly with well understood ecology. We used lines established from natural populations and artificially selected for increased adult starvation resistance. They show a considerable increase in adult lifespan under both starvation and optimal food conditions. We measured adult butterflies of various ages, under a range of optimal and starvation diets, from two selected populations and one unselected control population. In all lines, Indy and catalase are up-regulated in response to starvation while this is not evident for sod2. Under starvation, Indy and catalase are up-regulated in, while this is not evident for sod2. Under optimal food conditions, Indy is down-regulated at a later age, with Indy expression showing relatively high inter-individual variation. We find differences between the selected lines and the unselected line. Under starvation conditions, expression is higher for catalase in one, and for sod2 in both selected lines. Importantly, sod2 expression is also higher in the selected populations under optimal food conditions. We conclude that sod2, but not Indy, is involved in the response to artificial selection for increased starvation resistance. The role of catalase is less clear because of the differences between the two selected lines. Moreover, sod2 appears to be a candidate gene that underpins the genetic correlation between starvation resistance and longevity. Our study indicates that some, but not all, genes identified through mutant screens in other organisms may underpin standing genetic variation for ageing-related traits in stocks of Bicyclus butterflies established from natural populations. Clearly, this needs to be investigated in other organisms as well, especially in the organisms to which mutants screens were applied. This information will narrow down the list of genes that underpin variation in lifespan and ageing in extant populations of organisms, and which may serve as candidate genes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Pijpe
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, P.O.-Box 9505, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Kanth BK, Jnawali HN, Niraula NP, Sohng JK. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes in Streptomyces peucetius: effects of SODs on secondary metabolites production. Microbiol Res 2010; 166:391-402. [PMID: 20888207 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Revised: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Two superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes; sod1 and sod2, from Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952 show high similarity to other known SODs from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) and Streptomyces avermitilis MA-4680. These sod1 and sod2 were cloned into pIBR25 expression vector under a strong ermE* promoter to enhance secondary metabolites from Streptomyces strains. The recombinant expression plasmids; pIBR25SD1 and pIBR25SD2, were constructed to overexpress sod1 and sod2 respectively to enhance production of doxorubicin (DXR) in S. peucetius, clavulanic acid (CA) in Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585 and actinorhodin (ACT) and undecylprodigiosin (Red) in Streptomyces lividans TK24. Biomass variation, antibiotics production and transcriptional analysis of regulatory genes in recombinant strains have been studied to understand the effect of sod1 and sod2. The cell growth analysis shows that life span of all recombinant strains was found to be elevated as compared to wild type cells. In S. peucetius, overexpression of sod1 and sod2 was not effective in DXR production but in case of S. clavuligerus, CA production was increased by 2.5 and 1.5 times in sod1 and sod2 overexpression, respectively while in case of S. lividans, ACT production was increased by 1.4 and 1.6 times and Red production by 1.5 and 1.2 times upon sod1 and sod2 overexpressions, respectively as compared to the corresponding wild type strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashistha Kumar Kanth
- Institute of Biomolecule Reconstruction (iBR), Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sun Moon University, #100, Kalsan-ri, Tangjeong-myeon, Asansi, Chungnam 336-708, Republic of Korea
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Magwire MM, Yamamoto A, Carbone MA, Roshina NV, Symonenko AV, Pasyukova EG, Morozova TV, Mackay TFC. Quantitative and molecular genetic analyses of mutations increasing Drosophila life span. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1001037. [PMID: 20686706 PMCID: PMC2912381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic and environmental factors that affect variation in life span and senescence is of major interest for human health and evolutionary biology. Multiple mechanisms affect longevity, many of which are conserved across species, but the genetic networks underlying each mechanism and cross-talk between networks are unknown. We report the results of a screen for mutations affecting Drosophila life span. One third of the 1,332 homozygous P-element insertion lines assessed had quantitative effects on life span; mutations reducing life span were twice as common as mutations increasing life span. We confirmed 58 mutations with increased longevity, only one of which is in a gene previously associated with life span. The effects of the mutations increasing life span were highly sex-specific, with a trend towards opposite effects in males and females. Mutations in the same gene were associated with both increased and decreased life span, depending on the location and orientation of the P-element insertion, and genetic background. We observed substantial--and sex-specific--epistasis among a sample of ten mutations with increased life span. All mutations increasing life span had at least one deleterious pleiotropic effect on stress resistance or general health, with different patterns of pleiotropy for males and females. Whole-genome transcript profiles of seven of the mutant lines and the wild type revealed 4,488 differentially expressed transcripts, 553 of which were common to four or more of the mutant lines, which include genes previously associated with life span and novel genes implicated by this study. Therefore longevity has a large mutational target size; genes affecting life span have variable allelic effects; alleles affecting life span exhibit antagonistic pleiotropy and form epistatic networks; and sex-specific mutational effects are ubiquitous. Comparison of transcript profiles of long-lived mutations and the control line reveals a transcriptional signature of increased life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Magwire
- Department of Genetics and W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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Abstract
Cellular senescence is a mechanism that induces an irreversible growth arrest in all somatic cells. Senescent cells are metabolically active but lack the capacity to replicate. Evolutionary theories suggest that cellular senescence is related to the organismal decline occurring in aging organisms. Also, such theories describe senescence as an antagonistically pleiotropic process that can have beneficial or detrimental effect on the organism. Cellular senescence is believed to be involved in the cellular changes observed as aging progresses. Accumulation of senescent cells appears to occur widely as the organism ages. Furthermore, senescence is a key element of the tumor suppressor pathways. Therefore, it is part of the natural barrier against the uncontrolled proliferation observed in cellular development of malignancies in multicellular organisms. Activation of the senescence process guarantees a limited number of cellular replications. The genetic network led by p53 is responsible for activation of senescence in response to DNA damage and genomic instability that could lead to cancer. A better comprehension of the genetic networks that control the cell cycle and induce senescence is important to analyze the association of senescence to longevity and diseases related to aging. For these reasons, experimental research both in vitro and in vivo aims to develop anticancer therapies based on senescence activation. The last decade of research on role and function of senescence in aging and cancer are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Grimes
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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Flatt T, Schmidt PS. Integrating evolutionary and molecular genetics of aging. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2009; 1790:951-62. [PMID: 19619612 PMCID: PMC2972575 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2009] [Revised: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging or senescence is an age-dependent decline in physiological function, demographically manifest as decreased survival and fecundity with increasing age. Since aging is disadvantageous it should not evolve by natural selection. So why do organisms age and die? In the 1940s and 1950s evolutionary geneticists resolved this paradox by positing that aging evolves because selection is inefficient at maintaining function late in life. By the 1980s and 1990s this evolutionary theory of aging had received firm empirical support, but little was known about the mechanisms of aging. Around the same time biologists began to apply the tools of molecular genetics to aging and successfully identified mutations that affect longevity. Today, the molecular genetics of aging is a burgeoning field, but progress in evolutionary genetics of aging has largely stalled. Here we argue that some of the most exciting and unresolved questions about aging require an integration of molecular and evolutionary approaches. Is aging a universal process? Why do species age at different rates? Are the mechanisms of aging conserved or lineage-specific? Are longevity genes identified in the laboratory under selection in natural populations? What is the genetic basis of plasticity in aging in response to environmental cues and is this plasticity adaptive? What are the mechanisms underlying trade-offs between early fitness traits and life span? To answer these questions evolutionary biologists must adopt the tools of molecular biology, while molecular biologists must put their experiments into an evolutionary framework. The time is ripe for a synthesis of molecular biogerontology and the evolutionary biology of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Flatt
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Josef Baumann Gasse 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria
| | - Paul S. Schmidt
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biology, 433 South University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6018, USA.
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Vina J, Borras C, Gomez-Cabrera MC, Orr WC. Part of the Series: From Dietary Antioxidants to Regulators in Cellular Signalling and Gene ExpressionRole of reactive oxygen species and (phyto)oestrogens in the modulation of adaptive response to stress. Free Radic Res 2009; 40:111-9. [PMID: 16390819 DOI: 10.1080/10715760500405778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only toxic but play an important role in cellular signalling and in the regulation of gene expression. We, here, discuss two examples of improved adaptive response to an altered cellular redox state. First, differences in longevity between males and females may be explained by a higher expression of antioxidant enzymes in females resulting in a lower yield of mitochondrial ROS. Oestrogens are made responsible for these phenomena. Oestradiol induces glutathione peroxidase-1 and MnSOD by processes requiring the cell surface oestrogen receptor (ER) and the activation of pathways usually involved in oxidative stress response. Second, oxygen radicals produced during moderate exercise as performed during training up-regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes in muscle cells. An increased level of these enzymes might prevent oxidative damage during exhaustive exercise and should, therefore, not be prevented by antioxidants. The relevance of these findings is discussed in the context with observations made in transgenic animals overexpressing MnSOD or catalase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Vina
- Universidad de Valencia, Departamento de Fisiología, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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Pérez VI, Bokov A, Van Remmen H, Mele J, Ran Q, Ikeno Y, Richardson A. Is the oxidative stress theory of aging dead? Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2009; 1790:1005-14. [PMID: 19524016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 428] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the oxidative stress (or free radical) theory of aging is the most popular explanation of how aging occurs at the molecular level. While data from studies in invertebrates (e.g., C. elegans and Drosophila) and rodents show a correlation between increased lifespan and resistance to oxidative stress (and in some cases reduced oxidative damage to macromolecules), direct evidence showing that alterations in oxidative damage/stress play a role in aging are limited to a few studies with transgenic Drosophila that overexpress antioxidant enzymes. Over the past eight years, our laboratory has conducted an exhaustive study on the effect of under- or overexpressing a large number and wide variety of genes coding for antioxidant enzymes. In this review, we present the survival data from these studies together. Because only one (the deletion of the Sod1 gene) of the 18 genetic manipulations we studied had an effect on lifespan, our data calls into serious question the hypothesis that alterations in oxidative damage/stress play a role in the longevity of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana I Pérez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Tang S, Le PK, Tse S, Wallace DC, Huang T. Heterozygous mutation of Opa1 in Drosophila shortens lifespan mediated through increased reactive oxygen species production. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4492. [PMID: 19221591 PMCID: PMC2637430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) is a dynamin-like GTPase located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and mutations in OPA1 are associated with autosomal dominant optic atrophy (DOA). OPA1 plays important roles in mitochondrial fusion, cristae remodeling and apoptosis. Our previous study showed that dOpa1 mutation caused elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and resulted in damage and death of the cone and pigment cells in Drosophila eyes. Since ROS-induced oxidative damage to the cells is one of the primary causes of aging, in this study, we examined the effects of heterozygous dOpa1 mutation on the lifespan. We found that heterozygous dOpa1 mutation caused shortened lifespan, increased susceptibility to oxidative stress and elevated production of ROS in the whole Drosophila. Antioxidant treatment partially restored lifespan in the male dOpa1 mutants, but had no effects in the females. Heterozygous dOpa1 mutation caused an impairment of respiratory chain complex activities, especially complexes II and III, and reversible decreased aconitase activity. Heterozygous dOpa1 mutation is also associated with irregular and dysmorphic mitochondria in the muscle. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate the important role of OPA1 in aging and lifespan, which is most likely mediated through augmented ROS production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Tang
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Phung Khanh Le
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Tse
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Douglas C. Wallace
- Center for Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine and Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Taosheng Huang
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Center for Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine and Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Toivonen JM, Partridge L. Endocrine regulation of aging and reproduction in Drosophila. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 299:39-50. [PMID: 18682271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 07/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal signals can modulate lifespan and reproductive capacity across the animal kingdom. The use of model organisms such as worms, flies and mice has been fundamentally important for aging research in the discovery of genetic alterations that can extend healthy lifespan. The effects of mutations in the insulin and insulin-like growth factor-like signaling (IIS) pathways are evolutionarily conserved in that they can increase lifespan in all three animal models. Additionally, steroids and other lipophilic signaling molecules modulate lifespan in diverse organisms. Here we shall review how major hormonal pathways in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster interact to influence reproductive capacity and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne M Toivonen
- Institute of Healthy Aging, UCL Research Department of Genetics, Environment and Evolution, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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