Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
A novel 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase that regulates reproductive development and longevity
Joshua Wollam1, Daniel B Magner, Lilia Magomedova
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
Scientists discovered a new enzyme, DHS-16, that regulates longevity in C. elegans by controlling bile acid-like steroid production. This finding offers potential new targets for manipulating lifespan in animals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolomics
- Genetics
Background:
- Endogenous small molecules regulate animal longevity.
- Dafachronic acids (DA) are bile acid-like steroids in C. elegans that regulate lifespan via the DAF-12 nuclear hormone receptor.
- DAF-12 is a homolog of mammalian sterol-regulated receptors LXR and FXR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel enzymes involved in dafachronic acid biosynthesis.
- To characterize the role of DHS-16 in regulating dafachronic acid production and longevity.
- To explore the conservation of bile acid pathways in metazoans.
Main Methods:
- Metabolic genetics
- Mass spectrometry
- Biochemical assays
Main Results:
- Identified DHS-16 as a novel 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase involved in DA biosynthesis.
- DHS-16 regulates DA production, thereby controlling DAF-12 activity and longevity.
- Demonstrated gonad-specific signaling influencing DA production and longevity.
Conclusions:
- Elucidated key enzymes and pathways in C. elegans bile acid metabolism.
- DHS-16 is a critical regulator of longevity through dafachronic acid production.
- Identified conserved biochemical pathways suggesting potential targets for longevity manipulation in other animals.
More Related Videos
12:10Protocols for Visualizing Steroidogenic Organs and Their Interactive Organs with Immunostaining in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: April 14, 2017
07:19Visualizing the Interrenal Steroidogenic Tissue and Its Vascular Microenvironment in Zebrafish
Published on: December 21, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation