Steroid control of longevity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Authors: Simon AF; Shih C; Mack A; Benzer S

Abstract: Ecdysone, the major steroid hormone of Drosophila melanogaster, is known for its role in development and reproduction. Flies that are heterozygous for mutations of the ecdysone receptor exhibit increases in life-span and resistance to various stresses, with no apparent deficit in fertility or activity. A mutant involved in the biosynthesis of ecdysone displays similar effects, which are suppressed by feeding ecdysone to the flies. These observations demonstrate the importance of the ecdysone hormonal pathway, a new player in regulating longevity.

Keywords: Animals; Body Weight; Crosses, Genetic; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/growth & development/*physiology; Ecdysone/biosynthesis/*physiology; Ecdysterone/administration & dosage/pharmacology; Female; Fertility; Genes, Insect; Ligands; *Longevity; Male; Mutation; Oxidative Stress; Phototropism; Receptors, Steroid/genetics/*physiology; Starvation; Temperature
Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.)
Volume: 299
Issue: 5611
Pages: 1407-10
Date: March 1, 2003
PMID: 12610309
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Citation:

Simon AF, Shih C, Mack A, Benzer S (2003) Steroid control of longevity in Drosophila melanogaster. Science (New York, N.Y.) 299: 1407-10.


Study Lifespan Factors:
  • l(3)DTS3 lethal (3) DTS3
  • EcR Ecdysone receptor


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