Overexpression of metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF-1) in Drosophila melanogaster ameliorates life-span reductions associated with oxidative stress and metal toxicity.

Authors: Bahadorani S; Mukai S; Egli D; Hilliker AJ
Year: 2010
Journal: Neurobiology of aging
Abstract: Heavy metals are essential components of many biological processes but are toxic at high concentrations. Our results illustrate that when metal homeostasis is compromised by a mutation in the metal-responsive transcription factor (MTF-1), the life-span is shortened. In contrast, MTF-1 overexpression results in resistant flies with prolonged longevity on iron or cadmium-supplemented media but shortened life-span on zinc-supplemented medium. This effect was mediated by the overexpression of MTF-1 in specific tissues, such as the gut, hemocytes and in particular in neurons, indicating that these tissues are particularly sensitive to the perturbance of metal homeostasis. Further, MTF-1 overexpression in a neuron-specific manner protects flies against hyperoxia and prolongs the life-span of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-deficient flies, suggesting the presence of a common mechanism for protection against both oxidative stress and metal toxicity. Finally, normal life-span is extended up to 40% upon MTF-1 overexpression in either the peripheral nervous system or motorneurons. These results document the tissue-specific import of heavy metal toxicity and oxidative damage in aging and life-span determination.
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Created on May 16, 2013, 12:34 a.m.
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Species: Fruit fly

Experiments: 0
Interventions:
  • MTF-1 overexpression

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