Role of phospholipase D in the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Aging: Cleaning up the metabolic mess The protein phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in preventing the appearance of signs of aging and prolonging lifespan. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a normal byproduct of metabolism, but they can damage cells and DNA, and their accumulation is associated with aging. ROS can be removed by antioxidants, and this removal may promote longevity. Young-Seuk Bae at Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea and co-workers investigated the role of phospholipase D (PLD), a protein previously linked to cellular senescence, in a worm used as a model organism. Individuals without PLD showed increased ROS accumulation, decreased motility and resistance to stress, and a shorter lifespan. Deletion of PLD decreased expression of antioxidant genes. The researchers conclude that deleting PLD reduced expression of antioxidant genes, which increased ROS accumulation, promoting signs of aging and shortening lifespan.