Project description:Lysosomes are cytoplasmic organelles that are central for the degradation of macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis and health. Here, we discovered an adaptive lysosomal transcriptional response that we termed the lysosomal stress response (LySR). Typified by the induction of a large group of transcripts involved in lysosomal function and proteolysis, the LySR can be triggered by silencing of specific vacuolar H+-ATPase subunits in Caenorhabditis elegans. Notably, LySR activation enhances the clearance of protein aggregates in worm models of Alzheimer's and Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, thereby boosting fitness and extending lifespan, a response that is controlled by the GATA transcription factor, ELT-2. Activating the LySR pathway may therefore represent an attractive mechanism to reduce protein aggregation and, as such, extend healthspan.
Project description:Lysosomes are cytoplasmic organelles that are central for the degradation of macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis and health. Here, we discovered an adaptive lysosomal transcriptional response that we termed the lysosomal stress response (LySR). Typified by the induction of a large group of transcripts involved in lysosomal function and proteolysis, the LySR can be triggered by silencing of specific vacuolar H+-ATPase subunits in Caenorhabditis elegans. Notably, LySR activation enhances the clearance of protein aggregates in worm models of Alzheimer's and Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, thereby boosting fitness and extending lifespan, a response that is controlled by the GATA transcription factor, ELT-2. Activating the LySR pathway may therefore represent an attractive mechanism to reduce protein aggregation and, as such, extend healthspan.
Project description:Molecular aging reflects the time-dependent accumulation of cellular damage and loss of essential cellular functions. FOXO transcription factors and their downstream targets play critical roles in the response to aging-associated cellular damage. Here, we identify and characterize a novel FOXO-regulated stress response gene, Oxidative Stress Responsive Serine-rich Protein 1 (OSER1), whose level of expression dramatically influences lifespan in Bombyx mori, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila. Overexpression of OSER1 also enhances resistance to oxidative stress, starvation, and heat shock, whereas depletion increases susceptibility to these stressors. In humans, common OSER1 genetic variants are associated with longevity. These data show that OSER1 modulates the oxidative stress response and suggest that OSER1 is a potent positive regulator of lifespan and healthspan in multiple species.
Project description:Abundant high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) contributes to cancer resistance and possibly longevity of the longest-lived rodent, the naked mole-rat1,2. To study whether the benefits of increased HMW-HA could be transferred to other animal species, we generated a transgenic mouse overexpressing naked mole-rat hyaluronic acid synthase 2 gene (nmrHAS2). nmrHAS2 mice showed increase in hyaluronan levels in several tissues, and lower incidence of spontaneous and induced cancer, extended lifespan and improved healthspan. The transcriptome signature of nmrHAS2 mice shifted towards that of longer-lived species. The most striking change observed in nmrHAS2 mice was attenuated inflammation across multiple tissues. HMW-HA reduced inflammation via several pathways including direct immunoregulatory effect on immune cells, protection from oxidative stress, and improved gut barrier function during aging. These findings demonstrate that the longevity mechanism that evolved in the naked mole-rat can be exploited to other species, and open new avenues for using HMW-HA to improve lifespan and healthspan.
Project description:Abundant high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) contributes to cancer resistance and possibly longevity of the longest-lived rodent, the naked mole-rat1,2. To study whether the benefits of increased HMW-HA could be transferred to other animal species, we generated a transgenic mouse overexpressing naked mole-rat hyaluronic acid synthase 2 gene (nmrHAS2). nmrHAS2 mice showed increase in hyaluronan levels in several tissues, and lower incidence of spontaneous and induced cancer, extended lifespan and improved healthspan. The transcriptome signature of nmrHAS2 mice shifted towards that of longer-lived species. The most striking change observed in nmrHAS2 mice was attenuated inflammation across multiple tissues. HMW-HA reduced inflammation via several pathways including direct immunoregulatory effect on immune cells, protection from oxidative stress, and improved gut barrier function during aging. These findings demonstrate that the longevity mechanism that evolved in the naked mole-rat can be exploited to other species, and open new avenues for using HMW-HA to improve lifespan and healthspan