Authors: Apfeld J; O'Connor G; McDonagh T; DiStefano PS; Curtis R
Abstract: Although limiting energy availability extends lifespan in many organisms, it is not understood how lifespan is coupled to energy levels. We find that the AMP:ATP ratio, a measure of energy levels, increases with age in Caenorhabditis elegans and can be used to predict life expectancy. The C. elegans AMP-activated protein kinase alpha subunit AAK-2 is activated by AMP and functions to extend lifespan. In addition, either an environmental stressor that increases the AMP:ATP ratio or mutations that lower insulin-like signaling extend lifespan in an aak-2-dependent manner. Thus, AAK-2 is a sensor that couples lifespan to information about energy levels and insulin-like signals.
Keywords: AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Adenosine Monophosphate/*metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism; Age Factors; Aging/*physiology; Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Caenorhabditis elegans/*physiology; Crosses, Genetic; DNA Primers; Energy Metabolism/physiology; Gene Transfer Techniques; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Immunoprecipitation; Insulin/metabolism; Longevity/*drug effects; Multienzyme Complexes/genetics/*metabolism; Mutagenesis; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics/*metabolism; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Signal Transduction/*physiology; Temperature|
Journal: Genes & development Volume: 18 Issue: 24 Pages: 3004-9 Date: Dec. 3, 2004 PMID: 15574588 |
Apfeld J, O'Connor G, McDonagh T, DiStefano PS, Curtis R (2004) The AMP-activated protein kinase AAK-2 links energy levels and insulin-like signals to lifespan in C. elegans. Genes & development 18: 3004-9.
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