P66SHC and ageing: ROS and TOR?
1Institute of General Pathology, Universita' Cattolica Medical School, Rome Italy. gpani@rm.unicatt.it
Aging
|August 7, 2010
Summary
The pro-aging molecule p66shc activates nutrient-sensing pathways, linking oxidative stress and nutrient sensing to aging and diabetes. This finding helps resolve the debate on whether Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) or nutrient signaling drives aging.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and mTOR/S6K signaling are implicated in aging and age-related diseases.
- Calorie restriction exhibits anti-aging effects, partly through modulating these pathways.
- The interplay between ROS and nutrient-sensing pathways in aging remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the pro-aging molecule p66shc in nutrient-sensing pathways.
- To determine if p66shc links oxidative stress to mTOR/S6K activation.
- To explore the contribution of p66shc to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models to study the effects of p66shc.
- Assessed S6K activation in response to nutrient availability.
- Evaluated insulin resistance and diabetes markers.
Main Results:
- p66shc was found to contribute to S6K activation by nutrients.
- p66shc promotes insulin resistance and diabetes in mice.
- This suggests a molecular link between ROS and nutrient-sensing pathways.
Conclusions:
- p66shc acts as a crucial link between oxidative stress and nutrient signaling in aging.
- Findings may resolve the "ROS or TOR?" dilemma in aging research.
- p66shc represents a potential therapeutic target for age-related diseases like diabetes.
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