Glucosylglycerol Extends Chronological Lifespan of the Budding Yeast via an Increased Osmolarity Response

Glucosylglycerol (GG) is an osmolyte that protects cells from extreme conditions. It is produced by sucrose phosphorylase, an enzyme that uses sucrose and glycerol as substrate. GG protects tissue integrity in desert plants during harsh conditions and guards cyanobacteria against high salinity (halotolerant). However, no extensive research has been conducted on the lifespan application of this compound on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We designed this study to (1) characterize GG's effect on yeast chronological lifespan (CLS) and (2) to determine the mechanisms underlying its lifespan promotion on strain DBY746. The results obtained in our study confirm that GG causes increased longevity when administered at moderate doses (48 mM and 120 mM). In addition, we discovered that GG promotes yeast cell longevity by increasing the osmolarity of the culture medium. The maximum lifespan increased by approximately 15.38% and 34.6%, (i.e., 115.38 and 134.61) respectively, upon administration of GG at 48 mM and 120 mM concentrations. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying this positive response suggests that GG promotes CLS by activities that modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as evident in its increased ROS generation (mitohormesis). An increase in medium osmolarity caused by GG supplementation triggers ROS production and promotes longevity in the yeast (S. cerevisiae). An in-depth study on the potential application of this molecule in aging research is crucial; this will aid in expounding the mechanisms of this geroprotector and its longevity supportive tendencies.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01055-y.