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Antibiotics that target mitochondria extend lifespan in C. elegans
Gloria Bonuccelli1, Darren R Brooks1, Sally Shepherd1
1Translational Medicine, School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE), University of Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4BR, UK.
Aging
|November 11, 2023
Summary
Mitochondrial inhibitors, like doxycycline and azithromycin, significantly extended lifespan and reduced aging markers in C. elegans worms. These findings suggest that targeting mitochondria may offer a strategy to combat the aging process.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and cellular biology
- Mitochondrial function and aging
- Organismal aging models
Background:
- Aging is a complex degenerative process linked to cellular damage and declining function.
- Mitochondria are increasingly recognized as critical players in the aging cascade.
- Understanding mitochondrial roles in aging can reveal new longevity strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mitochondria in aging using the model organism C. elegans.
- To assess the impact of mitochondrial inhibitors on lifespan and aging markers.
- To explore potential anti-aging effects of mitochondria-targeting drugs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as an organismal model for aging studies.
- Administered various mitochondrial inhibitors, including doxycycline, azithromycin, and DPI.
- Evaluated lifespan, pharyngeal muscle contraction, lipofuscin accumulation, and ATP levels as aging biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Doxycycline and azithromycin treatments significantly extended median lifespan and improved aging markers in C. elegans.
- DPI, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I and II, also prolonged worm lifespan.
- Vitamin C, a pro-oxidant, did not extend lifespan and increased energy consumption.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial inhibitors, particularly mitochondria-targeting antibiotics, demonstrate aging-abrogating effects in C. elegans.
- Targeting mitochondrial function presents a promising avenue for extending lifespan and promoting longevity.
- The study highlights the crucial link between mitochondrial health and the aging process.
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