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Updated: May 9, 2026
Measurement of Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: January 7, 2013
Microbiota-derived indole-3-propionic acid extends lifespan in Drosophila and improves muscle and bone health in mice
Sagar Vyavahare1, Ford Berger1, Shelton G Swint2
1Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
Abstract:
Aging is associated with alterations in endogenous tryptophan (TRP) metabolism that contributes to musculoskeletal decline. In this study, we investigated the effects of the microbiota-derived TRP metabolite, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), on musculoskeletal health in aged mice and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. Aged C57BL/6 mice received IPA (20 mg/kg, subcutaneous, three times per week for 12 weeks), while Drosophila were maintained on food supplemented with IPA (100 µM) throughout their lifespan. Our findings revealed that IPA-treated aged mice exhibited enhanced muscle function (grip strength and hang time). Histological and bone microCT analyses revealed no changes in muscle fiber size but enhanced bone microarchitecture. Furthermore, molecular studies have elucidated that IPA treatment prevents oxidative stress and reduces senescence, indicating improved cellular survival. Our Drosophila melanogaster longevity analysis revealed a significant extension of lifespan, but lifespan effects were genotype- and sex-specific. Collectively, our findings identify IPA as a promising microbiota-derived metabolite that improves musculoskeletal health and promotes longevity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for age-related decline in function.
Insights
Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut microbe metabolite, improved muscle and bone health in aged mice. IPA also extended lifespan in fruit flies, showing potential for treating age-related functional decline.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gerontology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Aging alters tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, impacting musculoskeletal health.
- Microbiota-derived metabolites play a role in age-related changes.
- Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a TRP metabolite with potential health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of IPA on musculoskeletal health in aged mice.
- To examine IPA's impact on lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying IPA's effects.
Main Methods:
- Aged mice received subcutaneous IPA injections for 12 weeks.
- Drosophila melanogaster were fed IPA supplemented food throughout their lifespan.
- Assessed muscle function, bone microarchitecture, oxidative stress, senescence, and lifespan.
Main Results:
- IPA treatment enhanced grip strength and hang time in aged mice.
- Bone microarchitecture improved in IPA-treated mice, with no changes in muscle fiber size.
- IPA prevented oxidative stress and reduced senescence, improving cellular survival.
- IPA significantly extended lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster, with genotype- and sex-specific effects.
Conclusions:
- IPA, a microbiota-derived metabolite, improves musculoskeletal health in aged mice.
- IPA shows potential for promoting longevity and combating age-related functional decline.
- IPA represents a promising therapeutic target for interventions against aging.
