The C. elegans microRNA mir-71 acts in neurons to promote germline-mediated longevity through regulation of DAF-16/FOXO.

Authors: Boulias K; Horvitz HR

Abstract: The life span of Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by signaling between the germline and the soma. Germ cell removal extends life span by triggering the activation of the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor in the intestine. Here we analyze microRNA function in C. elegans aging and show that the microRNA mir-71 functions to mediate the effects of germ cell loss on life span. mir-71 is required for the life span extension caused by germline removal, and overexpression of mir-71 further extends the life span of animals lacking germ cells. mir-71 functions in the nervous system to facilitate the localization and transcriptional activity of DAF-16 in the intestine. Our findings reveal a microRNA-dependent mechanism of life span regulation by the germline and indicate that signaling among the gonad, the nervous system, and the intestine coordinates the life span of the entire organism.

Keywords: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans/cytology/*genetics/*metabolism; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/*metabolism; Cell Lineage/genetics; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Germ Cells/cytology/*metabolism; Intestines/cytology/metabolism; Longevity; MicroRNAs/genetics/*metabolism; Models, Biological; Neurons/cytology/*metabolism; Protein Transport; Stress, Physiological/genetics; Transcription Factors/*metabolism; Transcription, Genetic
Journal: Cell metabolism
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Pages: 439-50
Date: April 10, 2012
PMID: 22482727
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Citation:

Boulias K, Horvitz HR (2012) The C. elegans microRNA mir-71 acts in neurons to promote germline-mediated longevity through regulation of DAF-16/FOXO. Cell metabolism 15: 439-50.


Study Lifespan Factors:
  • mir-58
  • mir-238
  • mir-71


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