scholarly journals Electrophysiological Measures of Aging Pharynx Function in C. elegans Reveal Enhanced Organ Functionality in Older, Long-lived Mutants

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1173-1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Coulter Russell ◽  
Nikolay Burnaevskiy ◽  
Bridget Ma ◽  
Miguel Arenas Mailig ◽  
Franklin Faust ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Model System ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Organ Function ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The function of the pharynx, an organ in the model system Caenorhabditis elegans, has been correlated with life span and motility (another measure of health) since 1980. In this study, in order to further understand the relationship between organ function and life span, we measured the age-related decline of the pharynx using an electrophysiological approach. We measured and analyzed electropharyngeograms (EPG) of wild type animals, short-lived hsf-1 mutants, and long-lived animals with genetically decreased insulin signaling or increased heat shock pathway signaling; we recorded a total of 2,478 EPGs from 1,374 individuals. As expected, the long-lived daf-2(e1370) and hsf-1OE(uthIs235) animals maintained pharynx function relatively closer to the youthful state during aging, whereas the hsf-1(sy441) and wild type animals’ pharynx function deviated significantly further from the youthful state at advanced age. Measures of the amount of variation in organ function can act as biomarkers of youthful physiology as well. Intriguingly, the long-lived animals had greater variation in the duration of pharynx contraction at older ages.

scholarly journals Genetic, Behavioral and Environmental Determinants of Male Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 1597-1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Gems ◽  
Donald L Riddle
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Neuronal Function ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Wild Isolate ◽  
Young Males ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Single Sex ◽  
Solitary Males

Abstract Males of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are shorter lived than hermaphrodites when maintained in single-sex groups. We observed that groups of young males form clumps and that solitary males live longer, indicating that male-male interactions reduce life span. By contrast, grouped or isolated hermaphrodites exhibited the same longevity. In one wild isolate of C. elegans, AB2, there was evidence of copulation between males. Nine uncoordinated (unc) mutations were used to block clumping behavior. These mutations had little effect on hermaphrodite life span in most cases, yet many increased male longevity even beyond that of solitary wild-type males. In one case, the neuronal function mutant unc-64(e246), hermaphrodite life span was also increased by up to 60%. The longevity of unc-4(e120), unc-13(e51), and unc-32(e189) males exceeded that of hermaphrodites by 70–120%. This difference appears to reflect a difference in sex-specific life span potential revealed in the absence of male behavior that is detrimental to survival. The greater longevity of males appears not to be affected by daf-2, but is influenced by daf-16. In the absence of male-male interactions, median (but not maximum) male life span was variable. This variability was reduced when dead bacteria were used as food. Maintenance on dead bacteria extended both male and hermaphrodite longevity.

scholarly journals Temporal Transcriptomics of Gut Escherichia coli in Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Aging

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua D. Brycki ◽  
Jeremy R. Chen See ◽  
Gillian R. Letson ◽  
Cade S. Emlet ◽  
Lavinia V. Unverdorben ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Health Span ◽  
Content Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved

Previous research has reported effects of the microbiome on health span and life span of Caenorhabditis elegans , including interactions with evolutionarily conserved pathways in humans. We build on this literature by reporting the gene expression of Escherichia coli OP50 in wild-type (N2) and three long-lived mutants of C. elegans .

scholarly journals A Hot Water Extract of Sideritis scardica Prolongs Life Span and Enhances Heat Shock Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2091728
Author(s):  
Yoshihiko Nishioka ◽  
Seiya Nishikawa ◽  
Toshiyuki Shibata
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Water Extract ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Control Group ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Hot Water Extract

Sideritis scardica is a Lamiaceae plant that is endemic to the alpine zone of the Balkan Peninsula. The tea of S. scardica has been handed down as a “tea of longevity” in the Rhodope region of Bulgaria for an unknown amount of time. In this study, we prepared a hot water extract of S. scardica (SHWE) and examined its effects on both life span and stress response in living tissue using Caenorhabditis elegans and its transgenic mutants. The life span of wild-type N2 worms was prolonged by approximately 15% at the SHWE concentration of 5 µg/mL and approximately 22% at the SHWE concentration of 50 µg/mL, as compared with the control group. The effect of SHWE on the expression of heat shock protein 16.2 (HSP-16.2) under heat stress was investigated using TJ375 worms, a transgenic mutant of C. elegans. In the TJ375 worms pretreated with SHWE, the fluorescence intensity of green fluorescent protein fluorescence, which indicates the expression of HSP-16.2, was significantly increased. In the assay using TJ356 worms, the worms pretreated with SHWE did not show the translocation of DAF-16, a forkhead transcription factor class O homolog, from the cytoplasm to nucleus under heat stress. Additionally, under heat stress, the pretreatment of SHWE improved the survival rate of GR1307 worms, a knockout mutant of daf-16. These results indicate that SHWE enhances HSP-16.2 expression through a stress-response pathway (eg, HSF-1 pathway) other than the DAF-16 pathway, resulting in a prolonged life span of C. elegans under heat stress.

scholarly journals Comparative phytochemical analysis of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Nees: Implications on attenuation of pro-oxidants and pathogen virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans model system

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 361
Author(s):  
Kitlangki Suchiang ◽  
Nitasha H Kayde
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Free Radicals ◽  
Free Radical ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Model System ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Mutant Strains

Background: Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Nees (P. thyrsiflorus) of Acanthaceae family is endogenous to sub-tropical Himalayas. It has been reported to be used traditionally in Jaintia tribe of Meghalaya, India for treatment of many ailments.Objectives: The aim was to detect the active compounds present in the leaves for evaluation of in vitro free radicals scavenging potentials. Leaves protective actions in vivo will be investigated using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model system utilizing wild type and mutant strains and the phenomena of host-pathogens interactions.Materials and methods: Gas chromatography/ Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for detection of different compounds present. The versatility of leaf extracts to scavenge different free radicals generated in vitro was assessed with different in vitro methods. Survival analysis of wild type and mutant strains C. elegans under enhanced pro-oxidants exposure was investigated in vivo. Fast killing assay was also performed to study the extracts modulatory activity on host C. elegans survival under pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.Results:  Forty compounds were detected in methanolic fraction of the extract with variable percentages. Both aqueous and methanol extract possessed remarkable, versatile free radical scavenging activity irrespective of the types of free radical generated. The in vivo experiments are in compliance, with observable increased survival ability percentage of C. elegans under intense exogenous oxidative stress and pathogen infection.Conclusion: Our findings enlightened the different compounds present with versatility of P. thyrsiflorus in tackling different free radicals generated both in vitro and in vivo that highly support for its candidature as a good antioxidant source. Our findings may justify the historical relevance of this plant in herbal remedies that could form the basis for inquiry of new active principles.Keywords: Free radicals, Oxidative stress, Caenorhabditis elegans, Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus, Phytochemicals

scholarly journals CAMKII and Calcineurin regulate the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16

eLife ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Tao ◽  
Qi Xie ◽  
Yue-He Ding ◽  
Shang-Tong Li ◽  
Shengyi Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Foxo Transcription Factors ◽  
Lifespan Regulation

The insulin-like signaling pathway maintains a relatively short wild-type lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by phosphorylating and inactivating DAF-16, the ortholog of the FOXO transcription factors of mammalian cells. DAF-16 is phosphorylated by the AKT kinases, preventing its nuclear translocation. Calcineurin (PP2B phosphatase) also limits the lifespan of C. elegans, but the mechanism through which it does so is unknown. Herein, we show that TAX-6•CNB-1 and UNC-43, the C. elegans Calcineurin and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase type II (CAMKII) orthologs, respectively, also regulate lifespan through DAF-16. Moreover, UNC-43 regulates DAF-16 in response to various stress conditions, including starvation, heat or oxidative stress, and cooperatively contributes to lifespan regulation by insulin signaling. However, unlike insulin signaling, UNC-43 phosphorylates and activates DAF-16, thus promoting its nuclear localization. The phosphorylation of DAF-16 at S286 by UNC-43 is removed by TAX-6•CNB-1, leading to DAF-16 inactivation. Mammalian FOXO3 is also regulated by CAMKIIA and Calcineurin.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal regulation of autophagy during Caenorhabditis elegans aging

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica T Chang ◽  
Caroline Kumsta ◽  
Andrew B Hellman ◽  
Linnea M Adams ◽  
Malene Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Lifespan Extension ◽  
Autophagic Flux ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Spatiotemporal Regulation ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Autophagic Activity ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Autophagy has been linked to longevity in many species, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Using a GFP-tagged and a new tandem-tagged Atg8/LGG-1 reporter, we quantified autophagic vesicles and performed autophagic flux assays in multiple tissues of wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans and long-lived daf-2/insulin/IGF-1 and glp-1/Notch mutants throughout adulthood. Our data are consistent with an age-related decline in autophagic activity in the intestine, body-wall muscle, pharynx, and neurons of wild-type animals. In contrast, daf-2 and glp-1 mutants displayed unique age- and tissue-specific changes in autophagic activity, indicating that the two longevity paradigms have distinct effects on autophagy during aging. Although autophagy appeared active in the intestine of both long-lived mutants, inhibition of intestinal autophagy significantly abrogated lifespan extension only in glp-1 mutants. Collectively, our data suggest that autophagic activity normally decreases with age in C. elegans, whereas daf-2 and glp-1 long-lived mutants regulate autophagy in distinct spatiotemporal-specific manners to extend lifespan.

scholarly journals A Genetic Pathway Conferring Life Extension and Resistance to UV Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 1207-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin Murakami ◽  
Thomas E Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Stress Resistance ◽  
Biological Clock ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Life Extension ◽  
Uv Resistance ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Adult Life Span ◽  
C Elegans

Abstract A variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the extension of adult life span (Age) seen in several mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans (age-1: an altered aging rate; daf-2 and daf-23 activation of a dauer-specific longevity program; spe-26: reduced fertility; ck-1: an altered biological clock). Using an assay for ultraviolet (UV) resistance in young adult hermaphrodites (survival after UV irradiation), we observed that all these Age mutants show increased resistance to UV. Moreover, mutations in daf-16 suppressed the UV resistance as well as the increased longevity of all the Age mutants. In contrast to the multiple mechanisms initially proposed, these results suggest that a single, daf-16dependent pathway, specifies both extended life span and increased UV resistance. The mutations in daf-16 did not alter the reduced fertility of spe-26and interestingly a daf-16mutant is more fertile than wild type. We propose that life span and some aspects of stress resistance are jointly negatively regulated by a set of gerontogenes (genes whose alteration causes life extension) in C. elegans.

scholarly journals The Influence of Competition Among C. elegans Small RNA Pathways on Development

Genes ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 671-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimmy J. Zhuang ◽  
Craig P. Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Small Rna ◽  
Small Rnas ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Exogenous Rna ◽  
Rna Pathways ◽  
Sirna Pathway ◽  
The Relationship

Small RNAs play a variety of regulatory roles, including highly conserved developmental functions. Caenorhabditis elegans not only possesses most known small RNA pathways, it is also an easy system to study their roles and interactions during development. It has been proposed that in C. elegans, some small RNA pathways compete for access to common limiting resources. The strongest evidence supporting this model is that disrupting the production or stability of endogenous short interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs) enhances sensitivity to experimentally induced exogenous RNA interference (exo-RNAi). Here, we examine the relationship between the endo-siRNA and microRNA (miRNA) pathways, and find that, consistent with competition among these endogenous small RNA pathways, endo-siRNA pathway mutants may enhance miRNA efficacy. Furthermore, we show that exo-RNAi may also compete with both endo-siRNAs and miRNAs. Our data thus provide support that all known Dicer-dependent small RNA pathways may compete for limiting common resources. Finally, we observed that both endo-siRNA mutants and animals experiencing exo-RNAi have increased expression of miRNA-regulated stage-specific developmental genes. These observations suggest that perturbing the small RNA flux and/or the induction of exo-RNAi, even in wild-type animals, may impact development via effects on the endo-RNAi and microRNA pathways.

The Effect of Mianserin on Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans is Abolished by Glucose

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Almotayri ◽  
Jency Thomas ◽  
Mihiri Munasinghe ◽  
Markandeya Jois
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Scaffolding Protein ◽  
Lifespan Extension ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Antidepressant Use ◽  
Extension Effect

Background: The antidepressant mianserin has been shown to extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a well-established model organism used in aging research. The extension of lifespan in C. elegans was shown to be dependent on increased expression of the scaffolding protein (ANK3/unc-44). In contrast, antidepressant use in humans is associated with an increased risk of death. The C. elegans in the laboratory are fed Escherichia coli (E. coli), a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrate, whereas a typical human diet is high in carbohydrates. We hypothesized that dietary carbohydrates might mitigate the lifespan-extension effect of mianserin. Objective: To investigate the effect of glucose added to the diet of C. elegans on the lifespan-extension effect of mianserin. Methods: Wild-type Bristol N2 and ANK3/unc-44 inactivating mutants were cultured on agar plates containing nematode growth medium and fed E. coli. Treatment groups included (C) control, (M50) 50 μM mianserin, (G) 73 mM glucose, and (M50G) 50 μM mianserin and 73 mM glucose. Lifespan was determined by monitoring the worms until they died. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier version of the log-rank test. Results: Mianserin treatment resulted in a 12% increase in lifespan (P<0.05) of wild-type Bristol N2 worms but reduced lifespan by 6% in ANK3/unc-44 mutants, consistent with previous research. The addition of glucose to the diet reduced the lifespan of both strains of worms and abolished the lifespan-extension by mianserin. Conclusion: The addition of glucose to the diet of C. elegans abolishes the lifespan-extension effects of mianserin.

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