A Steroid Receptor--MicroRNA Switch Regulates Life Span in Response to Signals from the Gonad.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	A Steroid Receptor--MicroRNA Switch Regulates Life Span in Response to Signals from the Gonad.
Authors:	Shen, Yidong, Wollam, Joshua, Magner, Daniel, Karalay, Oezlem, Antebi, Adam
Source:	Science (pre-March 2025). 12/14/2012, Vol. 338 Issue 6113, p1472-1476. 5p.
Subjects:	Gonads, MicroRNA genetics, Germ cells, Caenorhabditis elegans, Life spans, Animal life spans
Abstract:	Although the gonad primarily functions in procreation, it also affects animal life span. Here, we show that removal of the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line triggers a switch in the regulatory state of the organism to promote longevity, co-opting components involved in larval developmental timing circuits. These components include the DAF-12 steroid receptor, which is involved in the larval stage two-to-stage three (L2-L3) transition and up-regulates members of the let-7 microRNA (miRNA) family. The miRNAs target an early larval nuclear factor lin-14 and akt-1/kinase, thereby stimulating DAF-16/FOXO signaling to extend life. Our studies suggest that metazoan life span is coupled to the gonad through elements of a developmental timer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	Although the gonad primarily functions in procreation, it also affects animal life span. Here, we show that removal of the Caenorhabditis elegans germ line triggers a switch in the regulatory state of the organism to promote longevity, co-opting components involved in larval developmental timing circuits. These components include the DAF-12 steroid receptor, which is involved in the larval stage two-to-stage three (L2-L3) transition and up-regulates members of the let-7 microRNA (miRNA) family. The miRNAs target an early larval nuclear factor lin-14 and akt-1/kinase, thereby stimulating DAF-16/FOXO signaling to extend life. Our studies suggest that metazoan life span is coupled to the gonad through elements of a developmental timer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00368075
DOI:	10.1126/science.1228967