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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Lipid Supplementation for Longevity and Gene Transcriptional Analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: December 9, 2022
Perspective: Methionine Restriction-Induced Longevity-A Possible Role for Inhibiting the Synthesis of Bacterial
Peng Bin1,2, Congrui Zhu3, Shaojuan Liu2
1Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Methionine restriction (MR) extends lifespans in multiple species through mechanisms that include enhanced oxidative stress resistance and inhibition of insulin/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signaling. Methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) are the essential precursors of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) molecules, and therefore, MR might also affect bacterial communication to prevent enteric bacterial infection as well as chronic inflammation, which contributes to lifespan prolongation. Here, we discuss the influence of MR on oxidative stress resistance and inhibition of insulin/IGF-I cell signaling and further propose a potential mechanism involving bacterial QS inhibition for lifespan extension. Unraveling the connection between MR and inhibition of QS provides new strategies for combating infectious diseases, resulting in enriched understanding of MR-induced lifespan extension.
Insights
Methionine restriction (MR) extends lifespan by improving stress resistance and inhibiting key signaling pathways. This study proposes MR may also prolong life by suppressing bacterial quorum sensing (QS), a novel mechanism for healthspan extension.
Area of Science:
- Aging and Longevity
- Microbiology
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Methionine restriction (MR) is known to extend lifespan across species.
- Established mechanisms include enhanced oxidative stress resistance and reduced insulin/IGF-I signaling.
- Methionine is a precursor for bacterial quorum sensing (QS) molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the influence of MR on oxidative stress and insulin/IGF-I signaling.
- To propose a novel mechanism of lifespan extension via inhibition of bacterial QS.
- To investigate MR's potential in preventing enteric infections and chronic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical discussion.
- Analysis of existing data on MR effects.
- Hypothesizing the role of methionine metabolism in bacterial communication.
Main Results:
- MR enhances oxidative stress resistance and inhibits insulin/IGF-I signaling.
- MR is hypothesized to inhibit bacterial QS by limiting precursor availability (methionine and SAM).
- Inhibition of QS may reduce bacterial infection and chronic inflammation, contributing to lifespan extension.
Conclusions:
- MR extends lifespan through known pathways and potentially via novel QS inhibition.
- Targeting bacterial QS presents a new strategy for combating infectious diseases.
- Understanding the MR-QS link enriches knowledge of longevity mechanisms.
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