Project description:Genes controlling differences in seed longevity between two barley (Hordeum vulgare) accessions were identified by combining a quantitative genetics approach with ˈomicsˈ technologies in Near Isogenic Lines (NILs). The NILs were derived from crosses between the spring barley landraces L94 from Ethiopia and Cebada Capa from Argentina, which produce short-lived and long-lived seeds, respectively. The NILs harbor introgressions from Cebada Capa in four QTLs for seed longevity on 1H and 2H in the background of L94. A label-free proteome analysis was performed on mature, non aged seeds of the two parental lines and the L94 NILs.
Project description:Transcriptome analysis in HEK293T transfected with plasmid carrying different isoforms of BPIFB4 gene. This gene was previously associated with exceptional longevity in a GWAS study performed on three different populations. Results indicate an up-regulation of stress response genes and proteostasis genes in HEK293T transfected with plasmid carrying the longevity-associated variant (LAV) of BPIFB4. Total RNA obtained from HEK293T over-expressing wild-type or mutated form of BPIFB4.
Project description:Despite extensive studies at the genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic levels, the underlying mechanisms regulating longevity are incompletely understood. Post-translational protein acetylation is suggested to regulate aspects of longevity. To further explore the role of acetylation, we develop the PHARAOH computational tool based on the 100-fold differences in longevity within the mammalian class. Analyzing acetylome and proteome data across 107 mammalian species identifies 482 and 695 significant longevity-associated acetylated lysine residues in mice and humans, respectively. These sites include acetylated lysines in short-lived mammals that are replaced by permanent acetylation or deacetylation mimickers, glutamine or arginine, respectively, in long-lived mammals. Conversely, glutamine or arginine residues in short-lived mammals are replaced by reversibly acetylated lysine in long-lived mammals. Pathway analyses highlight the involvement of mitochondrial translation, cell cycle, fatty acid oxidation, transsulfuration, DNA repair and others in longevity. A validation assay shows that substituting lysine 386 with arginine in mouse cystathionine beta synthase, to attain the human sequence, increases the pro-longevity activity of this enzyme. Likewise, replacing the human ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 acetylated lysine 714 with arginine as in short-lived mammals, reduces its anti-neoplastic function. Overall, in this work we propose a link between the conservation of protein acetylation and mammalian longevity.
