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Updated: May 2, 2026
A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: September 17, 2020
The broccoli derivative sulforaphane extends lifespan by slowing the transcriptional aging clock
Abstract:
Sulforaphane, an organosulfur isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer cell growth. To explore the potential of sulforaphane as a candidate natural compound for promoting longevity more generally, we tested the dose and age-specific effects of sulforaphane on C. elegans longevity, finding that it can extend lifespan by more than 50% at the most efficacious doses, but that treatment must be initiated early in life to be effective. We then created a novel, gene-specific, transcriptional aging clock, which demonstrated that sulforaphane-treated individuals exhibited a "transcriptional age" that was approximately four days younger than age-matched controls, representing a nearly 20% reduction in biological age. The clearest transcriptional responses were detoxification pathways, which, together with the shape of the dose-response curve, indicates a likely hormetic response to sulforaphane. These results support the idea that robust longevity-extending interventions can act via global effects across the organism, as revealed by systems level changes in gene expression.
Insights
Sulforaphane, from cruciferous vegetables, significantly extends lifespan in C. elegans when administered early in life. This natural compound also reduces biological age by nearly 20%, indicating broad health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and molecular biology
- Natural product chemistry
- Systems biology
Background:
- Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetables, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
- Its potential for general longevity promotion remains an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose- and age-specific effects of sulforaphane on lifespan in *C. elegans*.
- To develop and utilize a novel transcriptional aging clock to assess sulforaphane's impact on biological age.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sulforaphane's longevity effects.
Main Methods:
- Administered varying doses of sulforaphane to *C. elegans* at different life stages.
- Developed a gene-specific transcriptional aging clock for precise biological age assessment.
- Analyzed gene expression patterns, focusing on detoxification pathways.
Main Results:
- Sulforaphane extended *C. elegans* lifespan by over 50% at optimal doses, with early-life treatment being crucial.
- Transcriptional aging clock revealed a nearly 20% reduction in biological age (approx. 4 days younger) in treated worms.
- Gene expression analysis highlighted significant activation of detoxification pathways, suggesting a hormetic response.
Conclusions:
- Sulforaphane is a potent natural compound for extending lifespan and reducing biological age in *C. elegans*.
- Early-life intervention is key for sulforaphane's longevity benefits.
- Systems-level gene expression changes, particularly in detoxification, underlie sulforaphane's pro-longevity effects, supporting hormesis.
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