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
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Aging*
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Animals
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Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans / growth & development
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Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / physiology
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Cell Differentiation
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Cell Division
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Female
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Genes, Helminth
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Germ Cells / cytology*
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Germ Cells / physiology
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Longevity*
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Male
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Meiosis
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Mitosis
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Mutation
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Oxidative Stress
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Stem Cells / physiology*
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Temperature
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / physiology
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Transcription Factors
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daf-16 protein, C elegans