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Updated: May 7, 2026
Measurement of Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: January 7, 2013
Selective anticancer agents suppress aging in Drosophila
Anton Danilov1, Mikhail Shaposhnikov, Ekaterina Plyusnina
1Institute of Biology, Komi Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, 167982, Russia.
Abstract:
Mutations of the PI3K, TOR, iNOS, and NF-κB genes increase lifespan of model organisms and reduce the risk of some aging-associated diseases. We studied the effects of inhibitors of PI3K (wortmannin), TOR (rapamycin), iNOS (1400W), NF-κB (pyrrolidin dithiocarbamate and QNZ), and the combined effects of inhibitors: PI3K (wortmannin) and TOR (rapamycin), NF-κB (pyrrolidin dithiocarbamates) and PI3K (wortmannin), NF-κB (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamates) and TOR (rapamycin) on Drosophila melanogaster lifespan and quality of life (locomotor activity and fertility). Our data demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of PI3K, TOR, NF-κB, and iNOS increases lifespan of Drosophila without decreasing quality of life. The greatest lifespan expanding effect was achieved by a combination of rapamycin (5 μM) and wortmannin (5 μM) (by 23.4%). The bioinformatic analysis (KEGG, REACTOME.PATH, DOLite, and GO.BP) showed the greatest aging-suppressor activity of rapamycin, consistent with experimental data.
Insights
Inhibiting key genes like PI3K, TOR, and NF-κB in fruit flies boosts lifespan and healthspan. Combined rapamycin and wortmannin showed the greatest life extension, improving fly longevity and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Molecular Biology
- Genetics and Gene Regulation
- Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
Background:
- Mutations in PI3K, TOR, iNOS, and NF-κB pathways are linked to increased lifespan and reduced age-related diseases in model organisms.
- Understanding the role of these pathways in aging is crucial for developing interventions.
- Pharmacological targeting of these pathways offers a potential strategy for promoting longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of specific inhibitors on the lifespan and quality of life in Drosophila melanogaster.
- To evaluate the impact of inhibiting PI3K, TOR, iNOS, and NF-κB pathways individually and in combination.
- To identify potential geroprotective compounds and pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to study aging.
- Administered pharmacological inhibitors: wortmannin (PI3K), rapamycin (TOR), 1400W (iNOS), and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate/QNZ (NF-κB).
- Assessed lifespan, locomotor activity, and fertility; conducted bioinformatic analysis using KEGG, REACTOME.PATH, DOLite, and GO.BP.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K, TOR, NF-κB, and iNOS significantly increased Drosophila lifespan without negatively impacting quality of life.
- The combination of rapamycin (5 μM) and wortmannin (5 μM) yielded the most substantial lifespan extension (23.4%).
- Bioinformatic analysis corroborated rapamycin's potent aging-suppressor activity, aligning with experimental findings.
Conclusions:
- Targeting PI3K, TOR, NF-κB, and iNOS pathways pharmacologically is a viable strategy to extend lifespan in model organisms.
- Combined inhibition, particularly of PI3K and TOR pathways, demonstrates synergistic effects on longevity.
- Rapamycin emerges as a key compound with significant aging-suppressor properties, warranting further investigation for anti-aging applications.
