Extrachromosomal rDNA circles--a cause of aging in yeast.

Authors: Sinclair DA; Guarente L

Abstract: Although many cellular and organismal changes have been described in aging individuals, a precise, molecular cause of aging has yet to be found. A prior study of aging yeast mother cells showed a progressive enlargement and fragmentation of the nucleolus. Here we show that these nucleolar changes are likely due to the accumulation of extrachromosomal rDNA circles (ERCs) in old cells and that, in fact, ERCs cause aging. Mutants for sgs1, the yeast homolog of the Werner's syndrome gene, accumulate ERCs more rapidly, leading to premature aging and a shorter life span. We speculate on the generality of this molecular cause of aging in higher species, including mammals.

Keywords: Aging/genetics; Cell Aging; Cell Nucleolus/chemistry; DNA Helicases/genetics/physiology; DNA, Circular/genetics/*physiology; DNA, Fungal/genetics/*physiology; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/*physiology; RecQ Helicases; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; Time Factors; Yeasts/*genetics/physiology
Journal: Cell
Volume: 91
Issue: 7
Pages: 1033-42
Date: Jan. 15, 1998
PMID: 9428525
Select reference article to upload


Citation:

Sinclair DA, Guarente L (1997) Extrachromosomal rDNA circles--a cause of aging in yeast. Cell 91: 1033-42.


Study
Update (Admin) | Auto-Update

Comment on This Data Unit