Regulation of life-span by germ-line stem cells in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Authors: Arantes-Oliveira N; Apfeld J; Dillin A; Kenyon C

Abstract: The germ line of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans influences life-span; when the germ-line precursor cells are removed, life-span is increased dramatically. We find that neither sperm, nor oocytes, nor meiotic precursor cells are responsible for this effect. Rather life-span is influenced by the proliferating germ-line stem cells. These cells, as well as a downstream transcriptional regulator, act in the adult to influence aging, indicating that the aging process remains plastic during adulthood. We propose that the germ-line stem cells affect life-span by influencing the production of, or the response to, a steroid hormone that promotes longevity.

Keywords: *Aging; Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans/*cytology/genetics/growth & development/*physiology; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics/physiology; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Female; Genes, Helminth; Germ Cells/*cytology/physiology; *Longevity; Male; Meiosis; Mitosis; Mutation; Oxidative Stress; Stem Cells/*physiology; Temperature; Transcription Factors/genetics/physiology
Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.)
Volume: 295
Issue: 5554
Pages: 502-5
Date: Jan. 19, 2002
PMID: 11799246
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Citation:

Arantes-Oliveira N, Apfeld J, Dillin A, Kenyon C (2002) Regulation of life-span by germ-line stem cells in Caenorhabditis elegans. Science (New York, N.Y.) 295: 502-5.


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