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ins-7 Gene expression is partially regulated by the DAF-16/IIS signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans under

Shanqing Zheng1, Sentai Liao1, Yuxiao Zou1

  • 1Sericulture & Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Plos One
|June 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The anti-aging drug celecoxib affects the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway (IIS) in C. elegans. However, the gene ins-7, previously thought to be a specific reporter for IIS activity, is not solely regulated by DAF-16.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics
  • Aging research

Background:

  • The insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway (IIS) is crucial for aging regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans).
  • DAF-16 is a key transcription factor in the IIS pathway, and its target genes are often used as reporters of pathway activity.
  • Celecoxib has been reported to extend lifespan in C. elegans by activating DAF-16.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of celecoxib on the expression of the DAF-16 target gene ins-7 in C. elegans.
  • To determine if ins-7 is a reliable reporter for IIS activity, particularly under drug intervention.
  • To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of ins-7 expression in response to celecoxib.

Main Methods:

  • Lifespan assays in C. elegans treated with celecoxib.
  • Quantitative analysis of ins-7 gene expression.
  • Investigation of DAF-16-dependent and -independent regulatory mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Celecoxib confirmed to extend lifespan in C. elegans.
  • Contrary to expectations, celecoxib upregulated ins-7 expression, while DAF-16 activation typically suppresses it.
  • Analysis revealed that ins-7 is negatively regulated by DAF-16 but also positively regulated by DAF-16-independent pathways upon pharmacological intervention.

Conclusions:

  • The gene ins-7 is not a specific reporter for DAF-16 activity or IIS pathway status in C. elegans, especially when exposed to external drugs.
  • ins-7 expression is subject to complex regulation involving both DAF-16-dependent and DAF-16-independent mechanisms.
  • Researchers should exercise caution when using ins-7 as a sole reporter for IIS activity in aging studies involving drug treatments.

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