CGC Bibliography Paper 5065

Regulation of life-span by germ-line stem cells in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Arantes-Oliveira N, Apfeld J, Dillin A, Kenyon C

Medline:

11799246

Citation:

Science 295: 502-505 2002

Type:

ARTICLE

Genes:

daf-9 daf-12 daf-16 daz-1 fem-3 fog-1 fog-2 fog-3 gld-1 glp-1 him-5 mes-1 unc-50

Abstract:

The germ line of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans influences life-span; when the germ-line precursor cells are removed, life-span is increased dramatically. We find that neither sperm, nor oocytes, nor meiotic precursor cells are responsible for this effect. Rather life-span is influenced by the proliferating germ-line stem cells. These cells, as well as a downstream transcriptional regulator, act in the adult to influence aging, indicating that the aging process remains plastic during adulthood. We propose that the germ-line stem cells affect life-span by influencing the production of, or the response to, a steroid hormone that promotes longevity.