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Gene Expression and Regulation in the Extended Longevity Phenotypes of Drosophila
Author(s) -
Arking Robert
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05645.x
Subject(s) - biology , genetics , phenotype , gene , longevity , gene expression , mutagenesis , regulation of gene expression , mutant
A bstract : We used both selection and single‐gene mutagenesis studies to identify the mechanisms underlying the genetic control of longevity in Drosophila . The expression of the extended longevity phenotype (ELP) in our forwardselected strains depends on an early and specific upregulation of the antioxidant defense system (ADS) genes and enzymes, which results in decreased oxidative damage levels and a delayed onset of senescence. This mechanism does not alter metabolic rate and is itself reversed by a reverse selection regime. Single‐gene mutational analysis of the regulatory genes controlling ADS gene expression show they are under the positive and negative control of several such genes, each of which can bring about the expression/repression of the ELP. Sister strains with identical ELPs have different patterns of ADS gene expression, showing that phenotypic equivalence does not require molecular equivalence. The organism may have multiple genetic strategies to cope with similar levels of oxidative stress.