Authors: Angelo, Giana; Van Gilst, Marc R
Abstract: The study of starvation-resistant biological programs has elucidated numerous mechanisms influencing aging. Here we present the discovery and characterization of starvation-induced adult reproductive diapause (ARD) in Caenorhabditis elegans. ARD differs from the C. elegans dauer diapause in that it enables sexually mature adults to delay reproductive onset 15-fold and extend total adult life span at least threefold. The effectiveness of ARD requires apoptotic death of the entire germ line, except for a small population of protected germline stem cells (GSCs). When feeding is resumed, surviving GSCs regenerate a new germ line capable of offspring production near the level of nonstarved animals. The starvation-sensing nuclear receptor NHR-49 is required for ARD entry and recovery. Our findings establish mechanisms for preserving stem cell potency and reproductive potential during prolonged starvation.
Keywords: Aging; Animals; Apoptosis; Caenorhabditis elegans/embryology/genetics/*growth & development/*physiology; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics/*physiology; Caspases/genetics/physiology; Embryonic Development; Germ Cells/cytology/*physiology; Larva/growth & development/physiology; Longevity; Mutation; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics/*physiology; Reproduction; Signal Transduction; Starvation; Stem Cells/*physiology; Stress, Physiological|
Journal: Science Volume: 326 Issue: 5955 Pages: 954-8 Date: Aug. 29, 2009 PMID: 19713489 |
Angelo, Giana, Van Gilst, Marc R (2009) Starvation protects germline stem cells and extends reproductive longevity in C. elegans. Science 326: 954-8.
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