Authors: Zhu C; Ji CB; Zhang CM; Gao CL; Zhu JG; Qin DN; Kou CZ; Zhu GZ; Shi CM; Guo XR
Abstract: Previous studies have determined that lin-4, which was the first miRNA to be discovered, controls the timing of cell fate determination and life span in Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the mechanism of lin-4 involvement in these processes remains poorly understood. Fat storage is an essential aspect of the life cycle of organisms, and the function of lin-4 in fat accumulation is not clear. In this study, we showed that the fat content is reduced remarkably in C. elegans lin-4 mutants. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed a considerable decrease in the levels of SBP-1 and OGA-1 mRNA in lin-4 mutants. We also showed that lin-4 mutants have a significantly shorter life span than wild-type worms. DCF assay experiments showed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number decreased in loss-of-function lin-4 mutants. These mutants also showed attenuation of locomotion. Taken together, our findings suggest that lin-4 may play an important role in regulating fat accumulation and locomotion and that lin-4 may control the life span of C. elegans by mediating ROS production.
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Journal: International journal of molecular sciences Volume: 11 Issue: 12 Pages: 4814-25 Date: Jan. 1, 2010 PMID: 21614175 |
Zhu C, Ji CB, Zhang CM, Gao CL, Zhu JG, Qin DN, Kou CZ, Zhu GZ, Shi CM, Guo XR (2010) The lin-4 Gene Controls Fat Accumulation and Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. International journal of molecular sciences 11: 4814-25.
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