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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Measurement of Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: January 7, 2013
[Longevity extension by specific inhibition of pI3K in Drosophila melanogaster]
Abstract:
Mutational decreasing of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) cascade genes function leads to a life span increase in a lot of model organisms. However the geroprotector effect of pharmacological inhibition of PI3K has not yet been studied. In this connection, we analyzed life span of D. melanogaster wild type laboratory strain Canton-S after treatment by LY-294002 (5 microM), that is a specific inhibitor of PI3K at preimaginal stages of development and imago. It is shown that imago feeding by LY-294002 results in lifespan increase. The median lifespan increases by 14% in males and by 14.3% in females, the maximal--by 22.5% in males, and by 16.3% in females. The obtained results demonstrate that specific inhibition of P13K has a geroprotector effect on D. melanogaster imago.
Insights
Pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) using LY-294002 extends lifespan in fruit flies. This study demonstrates PI3K inhibition as a potential geroprotector strategy, increasing median lifespan by over 14% in both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Decreased function of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) cascade genes is linked to increased lifespan in model organisms.
- The geroprotective effects of pharmacological PI3K inhibition remain largely unstudied.
- Investigating PI3K inhibition offers potential insights into aging mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the geroprotective effect of the specific PI3K inhibitor LY-294002 on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster.
- To determine if pharmacological inhibition of PI3K during development and adulthood influences longevity.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of wild-type D. melanogaster (Canton-S strain) with 5 microM LY-294002.
- Administration of the inhibitor during both preimaginal developmental stages and as adult imago.
- Analysis of lifespan extension in treated male and female fruit flies.
Main Results:
- Feeding adult fruit flies LY-294002 significantly increased lifespan.
- Median lifespan increased by 14% in males and 14.3% in females.
- Maximal lifespan showed a notable increase: 22.5% in males and 16.3% in females.
Conclusions:
- Specific pharmacological inhibition of PI3K exerts a geroprotective effect in D. melanogaster.
- LY-294002 demonstrates potential as an aging intervention in this model organism.
- These findings support further research into PI3K pathways for longevity interventions.
