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Protein Synthesis Is a Novel Determinant of Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Author(s) -
SYNTICHAKI POPI,
TROULINAKI KOSTOULA,
TAVERNARAKIS NEKTARIOS
Publication year - 2007
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 - 10.1196/annals.1404.001
Subject(s) - caenorhabditis elegans , protein biosynthesis , biology , longevity , translation (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , model organism , nutrient sensing , messenger rna , genetics , gene
: Protein synthesis is a tightly regulated cellular process that affects growth, reproduction, and survival in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic cues, such as nutrient availability and energy levels. A pronounced, age‐related decline of the total protein synthesis rate has been observed in many organisms, including humans. The molecular mechanisms underlying this decline and their role in the aging process remain unclear. A series of recent studies in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans , have revealed a novel link between protein synthesis and aging. Remarkably, these research findings, in their totality, converge to indicate that reduction of mRNA translation prolongs life in worms. Signal transduction cascades implicated in aging, such as the insulin/insulin growth factor‐1 pathway, interface with mechanisms regulating protein synthesis via a battery of key mRNA translation factors. Are the effects of these pathways on aging mediated, in part, by alterations in protein synthesis? This is an intriguing possibility in light of the latest discoveries. Whether attenuation of protein synthesis promotes longevity across different phyla is an additional important matter. Here, we survey work associating protein synthesis with aging and discuss the basis of life‐span extension under conditions that attenuate protein synthesis.