Project description:Recent research has highlighted that the polyphenols Quercetin (Q) and Tannic acid (TA) are capable of extending the lifespan of C. elegans. To gain a deep understanding of the underlying molecular genetics, we analyzed the global transcriptional patterns of nematodes exposed to Quercetin or Tannic acid concentrations that are non-effective (in lifespan extension), lifespan extending or toxic.
Project description:Recent research has highlighted that the polyphenols Quercetin (Q) and Tannic acid (TA) are capable of extending the lifespan of C. elegans. To gain a deep understanding of the underlying molecular genetics, we analyzed the global transcriptional patterns of nematodes exposed to Quercetin or Tannic acid concentrations that are non-effective (in lifespan extension), lifespan extending or toxic. The global transcriptome was compared in wild type nematodes raised in the presence of 0, 50, 100, and 200 µM Quercetin (Q) or 0, 100, 200, and 300 µM Tannic acid (TA).
Project description:Low concentrations of the dissolved leonardite humic acid HuminFeed® (HF) prolonged the lifespan and enhanced the thermal stress resistance of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore growth was impaired and reproduction delayed, effects which have also been identified in other polyphenolic monomers, including tannic acid, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. Moreover, a chemical modification of HF (HF-HQ), which increases its phenolic/quinonoid moieties, magnified the biological impact on C. elegans. To gain a deep insight into the molecular basis of these effects, we performed global transcriptomics on young adult (3 d) and old adult (11 d) nematodes exposed to two concentrations of HF and young adults (3 d) exposed to two concentrations of HF-HQ. The global transcriptome was compared in Caenorhabditis elegans mutant strain GE24, pha-1(e2123) exposed to 0, 0.2 and 2.0 mM HuminFeed® (HF) or Huminfeed-Hydroquinone (HF-HQ). Nematodes were harvested as 3 or 11 day old adults (for HF) or 3 day old adults (for HF-HQ).
Project description:Low concentrations of the dissolved leonardite humic acid HuminFeed® (HF) prolonged the lifespan and enhanced the thermal stress resistance of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore growth was impaired and reproduction delayed, effects which have also been identified in other polyphenolic monomers, including tannic acid, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. Moreover, a chemical modification of HF (HF-HQ), which increases its phenolic/quinonoid moieties, magnified the biological impact on C. elegans. To gain a deep insight into the molecular basis of these effects, we performed global transcriptomics on young adult (3 d) and old adult (11 d) nematodes exposed to two concentrations of HF and young adults (3 d) exposed to two concentrations of HF-HQ.
Project description:We have previously reported that tyrosol (TYR), one of the main phenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), promotes lifespan extension in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, also inducing a stronger resistance to thermal and oxidative stress in this animal model. Although the influence of several longevity-related genes in these effects has been reported by our group, we decided to perform a whole genome DNA-microarray approach in order to identify other genes and molecular pathways further involved in TYR effects on C. elegans longevity. Microarray analysis identified 208 differentially expressed genes (206 overexpressed and 2 underexpressed) when comparing TYR-treated nematodes with non-treated controls. Many of these genes seem linked to processes such as regulation of growth, transcription, reproduction, lipid metabolism and body morphogenesis. Data obtained by microarray was validated by qRT-PCR analysis of selected genes. Our results confirm that several important cellular mechanisms related to longevity are influenced by TYR treatment in this animal model. Moreover, we detected an interesting overlap between the expression pattern elicited by TYR and those induced by other dietary polyphenols known to extend lifespan in C. elegans, such as quercetin and tannic acid.
Project description:Arsenic and mercury are known chemical hazards. The differences in effects from organic and inorganic forms of these toxic elements is less well understood, however. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a suitable model to investigate the toxicity of environmental hazards. In this study, the transcriptomic profiles of C. elegans exposed to inorganic mercury chloride (HgCl2) and sodium (meta)arsenite (NaAsO2) were assessed alongside organic methylmercury chloride (meHgCl) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). For this purpose, adult C. elegans were exposed for 24 h to NaAsO2 (10 µg/ml), DMA (200 µg/ml), HgCl2 (2 µg/ml), and meHgCl (0.5 µg/ml), concentrations that were equitoxic in juveniles for developmental delay. Whole genome gene expression profiles were determined by using Cellegans_UnrestrictedGE_G2519F_020186 Microarray (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). The results showed significant changes in the transcriptome of adult C. elegans exposed to NaAsO2, DMA, HgCl2, or meHgCl relative to the control group (C. elegans treated with water). A total of 927 and 1221 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in C. elegans treated with 10 µg/ml NaAsO2 or 200 µg/ml DMA, respectively. Interestingly, only 161 DEGs were in common for these two chemicals. Exposure to 2 µg/ml HgCl2 or 0.5 µg/ml meHgCl altered the expression of 670 and 485 genes, respectively, and out of these genes, 154 were commonly altered by the two treatments. Analysis of DEGs revealed that organic and inorganic forms of arsenic and mercury have different effects on the transcriptome of adult C. elegans.