Endogenous metabolites promote stress resistance through induction of mitohormesis

Interventions and small molecules, which promote formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), have repeatedly been shown to increase stress resistance and lifespan of different model organisms. These phenotypes occur only in response to low concentrations of ROS, while higher concentrations exert opposing effects. This non-linear or hormetic dose-response relationship has been termed mitohormesis, since ROS are mainly generated within the mitochondrial compartment. A report by Matsumura et al in this issue of EMBO Reports now demonstrates that an endogenously formed metabolite, namely N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (NAT), is instrumental in promoting cellular and organismal resilience by inducing mitohormetic mechanisms, likely in an evolutionarily conserved manner [1].