Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System to Study Protein Homeostasis in a Multicellular Organism
Published on: December 18, 2013
Insulin-like signaling, metabolism, stress resistance and aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
B P Braeckman1, K Houthoofd, J R Vanfleteren
1Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
The nervous system acts as a major regulator of the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans. Temperature and chemical stimuli from the environment are integrated with internal signals from the reproductive system to specify adult longevity. An insulin-like signaling cascade acts in neurons and coordinates control of senescence of the entire organism by regulating metabolism and a stress response mechanism. Caloric restriction extends life span, possibly by activation of the stress response program.

