Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Lipid Supplementation for Longevity and Gene Transcriptional Analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: December 9, 2022
Doxifluridine promotes host longevity through bacterial metabolism
Rui Wei1, Yuling Peng1, Yamei Luo1
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Doxifluridine, a novel drug, rescues age-related alternative splicing defects and extends lifespan in C. elegans. Its efficacy relies on bacterial metabolism, highlighting a drug-host-microbiome interaction crucial for aging research.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aging is linked to alternative splicing (AS) defects, impacting age-related diseases.
- Identifying drugs to correct AS defects and extend lifespan is a critical research gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen compounds for their ability to rescue age-related AS defects and extend lifespan.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action for identified therapeutic compounds.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale compound screening in C. elegans using a dual-fluorescent splicing reporter system.
- Integrated analysis including bacterial DNA sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics.
- Investigated drug conversion and efficacy through bacterial ribonucleotide metabolism.
Main Results:
- Doxifluridine, a fluoropyrimidine derivative, was identified as a top hit, rescuing AS defects and extending lifespan.
- Bacterial ribonucleotide metabolism is essential for doxifluridine conversion and efficacy.
- Doxifluridine enhances bacterial production of metabolites like linoleic acid and agmatine, prolonging host lifespan.
Conclusions:
- Doxifluridine is a promising lead compound for mitigating aging-associated AS defects and extending lifespan.
- The drug's function involves a complex interplay between the drug, host, and bacterial microbiome.
- This study reveals a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the host-microbiome axis in aging.
More Related Videos
07:25Long-Term Culture of Individual Caenorhabditis elegans on Solid Media for Longitudinal Fluorescence Monitoring and Aversive Interventions
Published on: December 2, 2022
06:58Author Spotlight: Advancing Caenorhabditis elegans Research Using Paraformaldehyde-Treated Bacteria
Published on: July 28, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Influence of Elimination Half-Life on Effect Duration
Development of Human Microbiota
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis