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Measurement of Specific Mycobacterial Mistranslation Rates with Gain-of-function Reporter Systems
Published on: April 26, 2019
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Translational fidelity and longevity are genetically linked.
Boyang Zheng1,2, Weijie Zhang1,2, Gongwang Yu3
1Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Nature Communications
|August 13, 2025
Summary
This study shows that reduced translation errors correlate with longer lifespans in yeast. Modifying the VPS70 gene decreased errors and extended life, supporting the role of translational fidelity in aging.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is characterized by detrimental changes that increase mortality risk.
- The Error-Catastrophe Theory posits that accumulating translation errors drive aging.
- Empirical evidence, particularly intra-specific fidelity-longevity correlations, remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between translational fidelity and lifespan within a species.
- To identify genetic factors influencing both translational fidelity and longevity.
- To validate the impact of translational fidelity on aging processes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lifespan and translational fidelity in yeast recombinant haploid progenies.
- Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis to identify associated genetic loci.
- Gene replacement experiments to assess the functional impact of specific genes.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation between translational fidelity and longevity was detected in long-lived yeast samples.
- The VPS70 gene locus was strongly associated with both translational fidelity and longevity.
- Replacing the VPS70 gene with an alternative allele reduced translation errors by 8.0% and extended lifespan by 8.9%.
Conclusions:
- Translational fidelity significantly impacts intra-specific longevity variation.
- The VPS70 gene plays a crucial role in regulating both translational accuracy and lifespan.
- Findings support the relevance of translation accuracy in the biological mechanisms of aging.
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