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Quantifying Tissue-Specific Proteostatic Decline in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: September 7, 2021
Serotonin receptors antagonistically modulate Caenorhabditis elegans longevity.
1Gheens Center on Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. shin.murakami@louisville.edu
Aging Cell
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Serotonin signaling influences lifespan, with specific serotonin receptors modulating longevity. The ser-1 receptor deletion extended lifespan, suggesting potential anti-aging targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Serotonin is linked to longevity variations in fruit flies and age-related diseases in mammals.
- It is hypothesized that serotonin signaling pathways may regulate lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of serotonin signaling genes in lifespan regulation.
- To explore the effects of mutations in serotonin biosynthesis, transport, and receptor genes on longevity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of various mutations in serotonin pathway genes in Drosophila.
- Assessment of lifespan changes in response to genetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Mutations in serotonin biosynthesis genes showed minimal lifespan effects.
- Increased serotonin availability (mod-5 mutation) modestly shortened lifespan.
- Deletion of the ser-1 serotonin receptor gene significantly increased longevity (up to 46%), potentially via the insulin/IGF-1 pathway.
- Deletion of the ser-4 serotonin receptor gene shortened early to mid-lifespan.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin signaling antagonistically modulates longevity through distinct serotonin receptors.
- Serotonin receptors represent potential targets for anti-aging interventions.
- Evidence suggests an interaction between serotonin and insulin/IGF-1 pathways in lifespan regulation.

