Regulation of life-span by germ-line stem cells in Caenorhabditis elegans

Science. 2002 Jan 18;295(5554):502-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1065768.

Abstract

The germ line of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans influences life-span; when the germ-line precursor cells are removed, life-span is increased dramatically. We find that neither sperm, nor oocytes, nor meiotic precursor cells are responsible for this effect. Rather life-span is influenced by the proliferating germ-line stem cells. These cells, as well as a downstream transcriptional regulator, act in the adult to influence aging, indicating that the aging process remains plastic during adulthood. We propose that the germ-line stem cells affect life-span by influencing the production of, or the response to, a steroid hormone that promotes longevity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / growth & development
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Division
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Genes, Helminth
  • Germ Cells / cytology*
  • Germ Cells / physiology
  • Longevity*
  • Male
  • Meiosis
  • Mitosis
  • Mutation
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Temperature
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors
  • daf-16 protein, C elegans