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Ohtsuka H, Shimasaki T, Aiba H. Low-Molecular Weight Compounds that Extend the Chronological Lifespan of Yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2400138. [PMID: 38616173 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Yeast is an excellent model organism for research for regulating aging and lifespan, and the studies have made many contributions to date, including identifying various factors and signaling pathways related to aging and lifespan. More than 20 years have passed since molecular biological perspectives are adopted in this research field, and intracellular factors and signal pathways that control aging and lifespan have evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. Furthermore, these findings have been applied to control the aging and lifespan of various model organisms by adjustment of the nutritional environment, genetic manipulation, and drug treatment using low-molecular weight compounds. Among these, drug treatment is easier than the other methods, and research into drugs that regulate aging and lifespan is consequently expected to become more active. Chronological lifespan, a definition of yeast lifespan, refers to the survival period of a cell population under nondividing conditions. Herein, low-molecular weight compounds are summarized that extend the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, along with their intracellular functions. The low-molecular weight compounds are also discussed that extend the lifespan of other model organisms. Compounds that have so far only been studied in yeast may soon extend lifespan in other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Lemaître JF, Moorad J, Gaillard JM, Maklakov AA, Nussey DH. A unified framework for evolutionary genetic and physiological theories of aging. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002513. [PMID: 38412150 PMCID: PMC10898761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Why and how we age are 2 intertwined questions that have fascinated scientists for many decades. However, attempts to answer these questions remain compartmentalized, preventing a comprehensive understanding of the aging process. We argue that the current lack of knowledge about the evolution of aging mechanisms is due to a lack of clarity regarding evolutionary theories of aging that explicitly involve physiological processes: the disposable soma theory (DST) and the developmental theory of aging (DTA). In this Essay, we propose a new hierarchical model linking genes to vital rates, enabling us to critically reevaluate the DST and DTA in terms of their relationship to evolutionary genetic theories of aging (mutation accumulation (MA) and antagonistic pleiotropy (AP)). We also demonstrate how these 2 theories can be incorporated in a unified hierarchical framework. The new framework will help to generate testable hypotheses of how the hallmarks of aging are shaped by natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Lemaître
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jacob Moorad
- Institute of Ecology & Evolution, School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alexei A. Maklakov
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel H. Nussey
- Institute of Ecology & Evolution, School of Biological Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Komlós M, Szinyákovics J, Falcsik G, Sigmond T, Jezsó B, Vellai T, Kovács T. The Small-Molecule Enhancers of Autophagy AUTEN-67 and -99 Delay Ageing in Drosophila Striated Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098100. [PMID: 37175806 PMCID: PMC10179358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy (cellular self-degradation) plays a major role in maintaining the functional integrity (homeostasis) of essentially all eukaryotic cells. During the process, superfluous and damaged cellular constituents are delivered into the lysosomal compartment for enzymatic degradation. In humans, age-related defects in autophagy have been linked to the incidence of various age-associated degenerative pathologies (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, tissue atrophy and fibrosis, and immune deficiency) and accelerated ageing. Muscle mass decreases at detectable levels already in middle-aged patients, and this change can increase up to 30-50% at age 80. AUTEN-67 and -99, two small-molecule enhancers of autophagy with cytoprotective and anti-ageing effects have been previously identified and initially characterized. These compounds can increase the life span in wild-type and neurodegenerative model strains of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Adult flies were treated with these AUTEN molecules via feeding. Fluorescence and electron microscopy and Western blotting were used to assess the level of autophagy and cellular senescence. Flying tests were used to measure the locomotor ability of the treated animals at different ages. In the current study, the effects of AUTEN-67 and -99 were observed on striated muscle cells using the Drosophila indirect flight muscle (IFM) as a model. The two molecules were capable of inducing autophagy in IFM cells, thereby lowering the accumulation of protein aggregates and damaged mitochondria, both characterizing muscle ageing. Furthermore, the two molecules significantly improved the flying ability of treated animals. AUTEN-67 and -99 decrease the rate at which striated muscle cells age. These results may have a significant medical relevance that could be further examined in mammalian models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Komlós
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janka Szinyákovics
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Genetic Research Group, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergő Falcsik
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tímea Sigmond
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Jezsó
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Vellai
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Genetic Research Group, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Wang J, Yu S, Wang L, Liu T, Yang X, Hu X, Wang Y. Capsaicin decreases fecundity in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi by inhibiting the target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:458. [PMID: 36510333 PMCID: PMC9743593 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-borne diseases threaten human health, but mosquito control faces various challenges, such as resistance to chemical insecticides. Thus, there is an urgent need for more effective and environment-friendly control agents. Capsaicin can downregulate the mTOR signaling pathway of tumor cells. The TOR signaling pathway can mediate the expression of vitellogenin (Vg) to regulate the fecundity of insects. Whether capsaicin has the potential to inhibit fecundity of mosquitoes by regulating TOR pathway and Vg expression is currently unclear. METHODS Anopheles stephensi were fed with blood of mice administered capsaicin by gavage or sugar containing capsaicin followed by a blood feeding with normal mice. Then, the engorged female mosquitoes were tubed individually and underwent oviposition. The eggs and individuals in the subsequent development stages, including larvae, pupae, and emerging adults, were counted and compared between the capsaicin treatment and control groups. Additionally, total RNA and protein were extracted from the engorged mosquitoes at 24 h post blood feeding. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to detect the transcriptional level and protein expression of the key fecundity-related molecules of mosquitoes. Finally, TOR signaling pathway was inhibited via rapamycin treatment, and changes in fecundity and the key molecule transcription and protein expression levels were examined to verify the role of TOR signaling pathway in the effect of capsaicin on mosquito fecundity. RESULTS The laid and total eggs (laid eggs plus retained eggs) of An. stephensi were significantly reduced by feeding on the blood of capsaicin-treated mice (P < 0.01) or capsaicin-containing sugar (P < 0.01) compared with those in the control group. Moreover, the transcription and protein expression or phosphorylation levels of fecundity-related molecules, such as Akt, TOR, S6K, and Vg, were significantly decreased by capsaicin treatment. However, the effects disappeared between control group and CAP group after the TOR signaling pathway was inhibited by rapamycin. CONCLUSIONS Capsaicin can decrease the fecundity of An. stephensi by inhibiting the TOR signaling pathway. These data can help us to not only understand the effect of capsaicin on the reproductive ability of An. stephensi and its underlying mechanism, but also develop new efficient, safe, and pollution-free mosquito vector control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan St, Shapingba Dis, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Shasha Yu
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan St, Shapingba Dis, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Luhan Wang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan St, Shapingba Dis, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Tingting Liu
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan St, Shapingba Dis, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Xuesen Yang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan St, Shapingba Dis, Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Xiaobing Hu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Western Theater Command, Lanzhou, 730020 China
| | - Ying Wang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan St, Shapingba Dis, Chongqing, 400038 China
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Semaniuk UV, Gospodaryov DV, Strilbytska OM, Kucharska AZ, Sokół-Łętowska A, Burdyliuk NI, Storey KB, Bayliak MM, Lushchak O. Chili-supplemented food decreases glutathione- S-transferase activity in Drosophila melanogaster females without a change in other parameters of antioxidant system. Redox Rep 2022; 27:221-229. [PMID: 36200601 PMCID: PMC9553170 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2022.2123884] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many plant-derived anti-aging preparations influence antioxidant defense system. Consumption of food supplemented with chili pepper powder was found to extend lifespan in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The present study aimed to test a connection between life-extending effect of chili powder and antioxidant defense system of D. melanogaster. METHODS Flies were reared for 15 days in the mortality cages on food with 0% (control), 0.04%, 0.12%, 0.4%, or 3% chili powder. Antioxidant and related enzymes, as well as oxidative stress indices were measured. RESULTS Female flies that consumed chili-supplemented food had a 40-60% lower glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity as compared with the control cohort. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was about 37% higher in males that consumed food with 3% chili powder in comparison with the control cohort. Many of the parameters studied were sex-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of chili-supplemented food extends lifespan in fruit fly cohorts in a concentration- and gender-dependent manner. However, this extension is not mediated by a strengthening of antioxidant defenses. Consumption of chili-supplemented food does not change the specific relationship between antioxidant and related enzymes in D. melanogaster, and does not change the linkage of the activities of these enzymes to fly gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uliana V Semaniuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro V Gospodaryov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Olha M Strilbytska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Alicja Z Kucharska
- Department of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Sokół-Łętowska
- Department of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Nadia I Burdyliuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | | | - Maria M Bayliak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Oleh Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine.,Research and Development University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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Dasgupta P, Halder S, Dari D, Nabeel P, Vajja SS, Nandy B. Evolution of a novel female reproductive strategy in Drosophila melanogaster populations subjected to long-term protein restriction. Evolution 2022; 76:1836-1848. [PMID: 35796749 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive output is often constrained by availability of macronutrients, especially protein. Long-term protein restriction, therefore, is expected to select for traits maximizing reproduction even under nutritional challenge. We subjected four replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster to a complete deprivation of yeast supplement, thereby mimicking a protein-restricted ecology. Following 24 generations, compared to their matched controls, females from experimental populations showed increased reproductive output early in life, both in presence and absence of yeast supplement. The observed increase in reproductive output was without associated alterations in egg size, development time, preadult survivorship, body mass at eclosion, and life span of the females. Further, selection was ineffective on lifelong cumulative fecundity. However, females from experiment regime were found to have a significantly faster rate of reproductive senescence following the attainment of the reproductive peak early in life. Therefore, adaptation to yeast deprivation ecology in our study involved a novel reproductive strategy whereby females attained higher reproductive output early in life followed by faster reproductive aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the cleanest demonstrations of optimization of fitness by fine-tuning of reproductive schedule during adaptation to a prolonged nutritional deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purbasha Dasgupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Berhampur, 760010, India
| | - Subhasish Halder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Berhampur, 760010, India
| | - Debapriya Dari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Berhampur, 760010, India
| | - Poolakkal Nabeel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Berhampur, 760010, India.,Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills,Periye, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Sai Samhitha Vajja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Berhampur, 760010, India.,Current Address: Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhauri, 462066, India
| | - Bodhisatta Nandy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Berhampur, 760010, India
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Miller EC, Wilczek A, Bello NA, Tom S, Wapner R, Suh Y. Pregnancy, preeclampsia and maternal aging: From epidemiology to functional genomics. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 73:101535. [PMID: 34871806 PMCID: PMC8827396 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Women live longer than men but experience greater disability and a longer period of illness as they age. Despite clear sex differences in aging, the impact of pregnancy and its complications, such as preeclampsia, on aging is an underexplored area of geroscience. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the complex links between pregnancy and age-related diseases, including evidence from epidemiology, clinical research, and genetics. We discuss the relationship between normal and pathological pregnancy and maternal aging, using preeclampsia as a primary example. We review the results of human genetics studies of preeclampsia, including genome wide association studies (GWAS), and attempted to catalog genes involved in preeclampsia as a gateway to mechanisms underlying an increased risk of later life cardio- and neuro- vascular events. Lastly, we discuss challenges in interpreting the GWAS of preeclampsia and provide a functional genomics framework for future research needed to fully realize the promise of GWAS in identifying targets for geroprotective prevention and therapeutics against preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza C. Miller
- Department of Neurology, Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley Wilczek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie A. Bello
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Tom
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurology Clinical Outcomes Research and Population Science and the Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Yousin Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Martinez-Miguel VE, Lujan C, Espie-Caullet T, Martinez-Martinez D, Moore S, Backes C, Gonzalez S, Galimov ER, Brown AEX, Halic M, Tomita K, Rallis C, von der Haar T, Cabreiro F, Bjedov I. Increased fidelity of protein synthesis extends lifespan. Cell Metab 2021; 33:2288-2300.e12. [PMID: 34525330 PMCID: PMC8570412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Loss of proteostasis is a fundamental process driving aging. Proteostasis is affected by the accuracy of translation, yet the physiological consequence of having fewer protein synthesis errors during multi-cellular organismal aging is poorly understood. Our phylogenetic analysis of RPS23, a key protein in the ribosomal decoding center, uncovered a lysine residue almost universally conserved across all domains of life, which is replaced by an arginine in a small number of hyperthermophilic archaea. When introduced into eukaryotic RPS23 homologs, this mutation leads to accurate translation, as well as heat shock resistance and longer life, in yeast, worms, and flies. Furthermore, we show that anti-aging drugs such as rapamycin, Torin1, and trametinib reduce translation errors, and that rapamycin extends further organismal longevity in RPS23 hyperaccuracy mutants. This implies a unified mode of action for diverse pharmacological anti-aging therapies. These findings pave the way for identifying novel translation accuracy interventions to improve aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Lujan
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Tristan Espie-Caullet
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Daniel Martinez-Martinez
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Saul Moore
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Cassandra Backes
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Suam Gonzalez
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Evgeniy R Galimov
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - André E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mario Halic
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kazunori Tomita
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Tobias von der Haar
- Kent Fungal Group, School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Filipe Cabreiro
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph Stelzmann Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Ivana Bjedov
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place Engineering Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Howard AC, Mir D, Snow S, Horrocks J, Sayed H, Ma Z, Rogers AN. Anabolic Function Downstream of TOR Controls Trade-offs Between Longevity and Reproduction at the Level of Specific Tissues in C. elegans. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2021; 2:725068. [PMID: 35340273 PMCID: PMC8953723 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.725068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As the most energetically expensive cellular process, translation must be finely tuned to environmental conditions. Dietary restriction attenuates signaling through the nutrient sensing mTOR pathway, which reduces translation and redirects resources to preserve the soma. These responses are associated with increased lifespan but also anabolic impairment, phenotypes also observed when translation is genetically suppressed. Here, we restricted translation downstream of mTOR separately in major tissues in C. elegans to better understand their roles in systemic adaptation and whether consequences to anabolic impairment were separable from positive effects on lifespan. Lowering translation in neurons, hypodermis, or germline tissue led to increased lifespan under well-fed conditions and improved survival upon withdrawal of food, indicating that these are key tissues coordinating enhanced survival when protein synthesis is reduced. Surprisingly, lowering translation in body muscle during development shortened lifespan while accelerating and increasing reproduction, a reversal of phenotypic trade-offs associated with systemic translation suppression. Suppressing mTORC1 selectively in body muscle also increased reproduction while slowing motility during development. In nature, this may be indicative of reduced energy expenditure related to foraging, acting as a "GO!" signal for reproduction. Together, results indicate that low translation in different tissues helps direct distinct systemic adaptations and suggest that unknown endocrine signals mediate these responses. Furthermore, mTOR or translation inhibitory therapeutics that target specific tissues may achieve desired interventions to aging without loss of whole-body anabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber C. Howard
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
- Department of Natural Sciences, Middle Georgia State University, Cochran, GA, United States
| | - Dilawar Mir
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Santina Snow
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jordan Horrocks
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Hussein Sayed
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Zhengxin Ma
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Aric N. Rogers
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
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Ballesteros‐Álvarez J, Andersen JK. mTORC2: The other mTOR in autophagy regulation. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13431. [PMID: 34250734 PMCID: PMC8373318 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has gathered significant attention as a ubiquitously expressed multimeric kinase with key implications for cell growth, proliferation, and survival. This kinase forms the central core of two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which share the ability of integrating environmental, nutritional, and hormonal cues but which regulate separate molecular pathways that result in different cellular responses. Particularly, mTORC1 has been described as a major negative regulator of endosomal biogenesis and autophagy, a catabolic process that degrades intracellular components and organelles within the lysosomes and is thought to play a key role in human health and disease. In contrast, the role of mTORC2 in the regulation of autophagy has been considerably less studied despite mounting evidence this complex may regulate autophagy in a different and perhaps complementary manner to that of mTORC1. Genetic ablation of unique subunits is currently being utilized to study the differential effects of the two mTOR complexes. RICTOR is the best‐described subunit specific to mTORC2 and as such has become a useful tool for investigating the specific actions of this complex. The development of complex‐specific inhibitors for mTORC2 is also an area of intense interest. Studies to date have demonstrated that mTORC1/2 complexes each signal to a variety of exclusive downstream molecules with distinct biological roles. Pinpointing the particular effects of these downstream effectors is crucial toward the development of novel therapies aimed at accurately modulating autophagy in the context of human aging and disease.
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11
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Ohtsuka H, Shimasaki T, Aiba H. Extension of chronological lifespan in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Genes Cells 2021; 26:459-473. [PMID: 33977597 PMCID: PMC9290682 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
There are several examples in the nature wherein the mechanism of longevity control of unicellular organisms is evolutionarily conserved with that of higher multicellular organisms. The present microreview focuses on aging and longevity studies, particularly on chronological lifespan (CLS) concerning the unicellular eukaryotic fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In S. pombe, >30 compounds, 8 types of nutrient restriction, and >80 genes that extend CLS have been reported. Several CLS control mechanisms are known to be involved in nutritional response, energy utilization, stress responses, translation, autophagy, and sexual differentiation. In unicellular organisms, the control of CLS is directly linked to the mechanism by which cells are maintained in limited‐resource environments, and their genetic information is left to posterity. We believe that this important mechanism may have been preserved as a lifespan control mechanism for higher organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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12
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Moretti CH, Schiffer TA, Montenegro MF, Larsen FJ, Tsarouhas V, Carlström M, Samakovlis C, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO. Dietary nitrite extends lifespan and prevents age-related locomotor decline in the fruit fly. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 160:860-870. [PMID: 32980539 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and signalling. Boosting of a dietary nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway e.g. by ingestion of leafy green vegetables, improves cardiometabolic function, mitochondrial efficiency and reduces oxidative stress in humans and rodents, making dietary nitrate and nitrite an appealing intervention to address age-related disorders. On the other hand, these anions have long been implicated in detrimental health effects of our diet, particularly in formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. The aim of this study was to assess whether inorganic nitrite affects lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and investigate possible mechanisms underlying any such effect. In a survival assay, female flies fed a nitrite supplemented diet showed lifespan extension by 9 and 15% with 0.1 and 1 μM nitrite respectively, with no impact of nitrite on reproductive output. Interestingly, nitrite could also protect female flies from age-dependent locomotor decline, indicating a protective effect on healthspan. NO generation from nitrite involved Drosophila commensal bacteria and was indicated by a fluorescent probe as well as direct measurements of NO gas formation with chemiluminescence. Nutrient sensing pathways such as TOR and sirtuins, have been strongly implicated in lifespan extension. In aged flies, nitrite supplementation significantly downregulated dTOR and upregulated dSir2 gene expression. Total triglycerides and glucose were decreased, a described downstream effect of both TOR and sirtuin pathways. In conclusion, we demonstrate that very low doses of dietary nitrite extend lifespan and favour healthspan in female flies. We propose modulation of nutrient sensing pathways as driving mechanisms for such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara H Moretti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden.
| | - Tomas A Schiffer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Marcelo F Montenegro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Filip J Larsen
- The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, 114 86, Sweden
| | - Vasilios Tsarouhas
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Mattias Carlström
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Christos Samakovlis
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Eddie Weitzberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Jon O Lundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden.
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13
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Rodríguez-López M, Gonzalez S, Hillson O, Tunnacliffe E, Codlin S, Tallada VA, Bähler J, Rallis C. The GATA Transcription Factor Gaf1 Represses tRNAs, Inhibits Growth, and Extends Chronological Lifespan Downstream of Fission Yeast TORC1. Cell Rep 2020; 30:3240-3249.e4. [PMID: 32160533 PMCID: PMC7068653 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) signaling promotes growth and aging. Inhibition of TORC1 leads to reduced protein translation, which promotes longevity. TORC1-dependent post-transcriptional regulation of protein translation has been well studied, while analogous transcriptional regulation is less understood. Here we screen fission yeast mutants for resistance to Torin1, which inhibits TORC1 and cell growth. Cells lacking the GATA factor Gaf1 (gaf1Δ) grow normally even in high doses of Torin1. The gaf1Δ mutation shortens the chronological lifespan of non-dividing cells and diminishes Torin1-mediated longevity. Expression profiling and genome-wide binding experiments show that upon TORC1 inhibition, Gaf1 directly upregulates genes for small-molecule metabolic pathways and indirectly represses genes for protein translation. Surprisingly, Gaf1 binds to and downregulates the tRNA genes, so it also functions as a transcription factor for RNA polymerase III. Thus, Gaf1 controls the transcription of both protein-coding and tRNA genes to inhibit translation and growth downstream of TORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Rodríguez-López
- Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Suam Gonzalez
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London E14 4LZ, UK
| | - Olivia Hillson
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London E14 4LZ, UK
| | - Edward Tunnacliffe
- Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sandra Codlin
- Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Victor A Tallada
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide/CSIC, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jürg Bähler
- Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- Institute of Healthy Ageing and Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Stratford Campus, London E14 4LZ, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
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14
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Stead ER, Castillo-Quan JI, Miguel VEM, Lujan C, Ketteler R, Kinghorn KJ, Bjedov I. Agephagy - Adapting Autophagy for Health During Aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:308. [PMID: 31850344 PMCID: PMC6892982 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a major cellular recycling process that delivers cellular material and entire organelles to lysosomes for degradation, in a selective or non-selective manner. This process is essential for the maintenance of cellular energy levels, components, and metabolites, as well as the elimination of cellular molecular damage, thereby playing an important role in numerous cellular activities. An important function of autophagy is to enable survival under starvation conditions and other stresses. The majority of factors implicated in aging are modifiable through the process of autophagy, including the accumulation of oxidative damage and loss of proteostasis, genomic instability and epigenetic alteration. These primary causes of damage could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, deregulation of nutrient sensing pathways and cellular senescence, finally causing a variety of aging phenotypes. Remarkably, advances in the biology of aging have revealed that aging is a malleable process: a mild decrease in signaling through nutrient-sensing pathways can improve health and extend lifespan in all model organisms tested. Consequently, autophagy is implicated in both aging and age-related disease. Enhancement of the autophagy process is a common characteristic of all principal, evolutionary conserved anti-aging interventions, including dietary restriction, as well as inhibition of target of rapamycin (TOR) and insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS). As an emerging and critical process in aging, this review will highlight how autophagy can be modulated for health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R Stead
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge I Castillo-Quan
- Section on Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Celia Lujan
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Ketteler
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kerri J Kinghorn
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ivana Bjedov
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in recent years, our understanding of the evolution of ageing is still incomplete. A dominant paradigm maintains that ageing evolves due to the competing energy demands of reproduction and somatic maintenance leading to slow accumulation of unrepaired cellular damage with age. However, the centrality of energy trade-offs in ageing has been increasingly challenged as studies in different organisms have uncoupled the trade-off between reproduction and longevity. An emerging theory is that ageing instead is caused by biological processes that are optimized for early-life function but become harmful when they continue to run-on unabated in late life. This idea builds on the realization that early-life regulation of gene expression can break down in late life because natural selection is too weak to optimize it. Empirical evidence increasingly supports the hypothesis that suboptimal gene expression in adulthood can result in physiological malfunction leading to organismal senescence. We argue that the current state of the art in the study of ageing contradicts the widely held view that energy trade-offs between growth, reproduction, and longevity are the universal underpinning of senescence. Future research should focus on understanding the relative contribution of energy and function trade-offs to the evolution and expression of ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei A Maklakov
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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16
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Islam MS, Jin YY, Chung HJ, Kim HJ, Baek SH, Hong ST. Effect of the Resveratrol Rice DJ526 on Longevity. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081804. [PMID: 31387244 PMCID: PMC6723356 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol is the best-known chemical for extending the lifespan of various organisms. Extensive recent research has shown that resveratrol can extend the lifespan of single-celled organisms, but its effects on the extension of animal lifespans are marginal. Despite the limited efficacy of pure resveratrol, resveratrol with the endogenous property of the DJ rice in the resveratrol rice DJ526 previously showed profound health benefits. Here, we report that the resveratrol rice DJ526 markedly extended the lifespan of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 41.4% compared to that of the control. The resveratrol rice DJ526 also improved age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration, body weight gain, eye degeneration and neurodegeneration in D. melanogaster upon aging. This result shows the most significantly improved lifespan in animal experiments to date, meaning that the resveratrol rice DJ526 will assist in the development of a therapeutic agent for longevity or addressing age-related degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saidul Islam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Chonbuk 54907, Korea
| | - Yan Yan Jin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Chonbuk 54907, Korea
| | - Hea-Jong Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Chonbuk 54907, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jin Kim
- BDRD Institute, JINIS Biopharmaceuticals Co., Bongdong, Wanju, Jeonbuk 55321, Korea
| | - So-Hyeon Baek
- Department of Well-Being Resources, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea.
| | - Seong-Tshool Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Chonbuk 54907, Korea.
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17
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Williams AC, Hill LJ. Nicotinamide and Demographic and Disease transitions: Moderation is Best. Int J Tryptophan Res 2019; 12:1178646919855940. [PMID: 31320805 PMCID: PMC6610439 DOI: 10.1177/1178646919855940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Good health and rapid progress depend on an optimal dose of nicotinamide. Too little meat triggers the neurodegenerative condition pellagra and tolerance of symbionts such as tuberculosis (TB), risking dysbioses and impaired resistance to acute infections. Nicotinamide deficiency is an overlooked diagnosis in poor cereal-dependant economies masquerading as 'environmental enteropathy' or physical and cognitive stunting. Too much meat (and supplements) may precipitate immune intolerance and autoimmune and allergic disease, with relative infertility and longevity, via the tryptophan-nicotinamide pathway. This switch favours a dearth of regulatory T (Treg) and an excess of T helper cells. High nicotinamide intake is implicated in cancer and Parkinson's disease. Pro-fertility genes, evolved to counteract high-nicotinamide-induced infertility, may now be risk factors for degenerative disease. Moderation of the dose of nicotinamide could prevent some common diseases and personalised doses at times of stress or, depending on genetic background or age, may treat some other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Williams
- Department of Neurology, University
Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa J Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute
of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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18
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Alleman A, Stoldt M, Feldmeyer B, Foitzik S. Tandem-running and scouting behaviour are characterized by up-regulation of learning and memory formation genes within the ant brain. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:2342-2359. [PMID: 30903719 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tandem-running is a recruitment behaviour in ants that has been described as a form of teaching, where spatial information possessed by a leader is conveyed to following nestmates. Within Temnothorax ants, tandem-running is used within a variety of contexts, from foraging and nest relocation to-in the case of slavemaking species-slave raiding. Here, we elucidate the transcriptomic basis of scouting, tandem-leading and tandem-following behaviours across two species with divergent lifestyles: the slavemaking Temnothorax americanus and its primary, nonparasitic host T. longispinosus. Analysis of gene expression data from brains revealed that only a small number of unique differentially expressed genes are responsible for scouting and tandem-running. Comparison of orthologous genes between T. americanus and T. longispinosus suggests that tandem-running is characterized by species-specific patterns of gene usage. However, within both species, tandem-leaders showed gene expression patterns median to those of scouts and tandem-followers, which was expected, as leaders can be recruited from either of the other two behavioural states. Most importantly, a number of differentially expressed behavioural genes were found, with functions relating to learning and memory formation in other social and nonsocial insects. This includes a number of up-regulated receptor genes such as a glutamate and dopamine receptor, as well as serine/threonine-protein phosphatases and kinases. Learning and memory genes were specifically up-regulated within scouts and tandem-followers, not only reinforcing previous behavioural studies into how Temnothorax navigate novel environments and share information, but also providing insight into the molecular underpinnings of teaching and learning within social insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Alleman
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marah Stoldt
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Feldmeyer
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Foitzik
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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19
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Nizzari M, Barbieri F, Florio T. Autophagy Activator Drugs: A New Opportunity in Neuroprotection from Misfolded Protein Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040901. [PMID: 30791416 PMCID: PMC6412775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to critically analyze promises and limitations of pharmacological inducers of autophagy against protein misfolding-associated neurodegeneration. Effective therapies against neurodegenerative disorders can be developed by regulating the “self-defense” equipment of neurons, such as autophagy. Through the degradation and recycling of the intracellular content, autophagy promotes neuron survival in conditions of trophic factor deprivation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage, or accumulation of misfolded proteins. Autophagy involves the activation of self-digestive pathways, which is different for dynamics (macro, micro and chaperone-mediated autophagy), or degraded material (mitophagy, lysophagy, aggrephagy). All neurodegenerative disorders share common pathogenic mechanisms, including the impairment of autophagic flux, which causes the inability to remove the neurotoxic oligomers of misfolded proteins. Pharmacological activation of autophagy is typically achieved by blocking the kinase activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) enzymatic complex 1 (mTORC1), removing its autophagy suppressor activity observed under physiological conditions; acting in this way, rapamycin provided the first proof of principle that pharmacological autophagy enhancement can induce neuroprotection through the facilitation of oligomers’ clearance. The demand for effective disease-modifying strategies against neurodegenerative disorders is currently stimulating the development of a wide number of novel molecules, as well as the re-evaluation of old drugs for their pro-autophagic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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