AMINO ACIDS: SENSING AND IMPLICATION INTO AGING

Abstract

An ability to sense and respond to nutrient availability is an important requisite for life. Nutrient limitation is among main factors to influence the evolution of most cellular processes. Different pathways that sense intracellular and extracellular levels of carbohydtrates, amino acids, lipids, and intermediate metabolites are integrated and coordinated at the organismal level through neuronal and humoral signals. During food abundance, nutrient-sensing pathways engage anabolism and storage, whereas limitation triggers the mechanisms, such as the mobilization of internal stores including through autophagy. These processes are affected during aging and are themselves important regulators of longevity, stress resistance, and age-related complications.