Overexpression of malic enzyme in the larval stage extends Drosophila lifespan

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 Jan 9;456(2):676-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.12.020. Epub 2014 Dec 13.

Abstract

Metabolic modifications during the developmental period can extend longevity. We found that malic enzyme (Men) overexpression during the larval period lengthened the lifespan of Drosophila. Men overexpression by S106-GeneSwitch-Gal4 driver increased pyruvate content and NADPH/NADP(+) ratio but reduced triglyceride, glycogen, and ATP levels in the larvae. ROS levels increased unexpectedly in Men-overexpressing larvae. Interestingly, adults exposed to larval Men-overexpression maintained ROS tolerance with enhanced expression levels of glutathione-S-transferase D2 and thioredoxin-2. Our results suggest that metabolic changes mediated by Men during development might be related to the control of ROS tolerance and the longevity of Drosophila.

Keywords: Drosophila; Longevity; Malic enzyme; Pyruvate; ROS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / enzymology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / growth & development*
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • Glycogen / metabolism
  • Larva / enzymology
  • Larva / genetics
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Longevity / genetics
  • Longevity / physiology*
  • Malate Dehydrogenase / biosynthesis*
  • Malate Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • NADP / metabolism
  • Pyruvic Acid / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Thioredoxins / metabolism
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Triglycerides
  • Thioredoxins
  • NADP
  • Pyruvic Acid
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Glycogen
  • Malate Dehydrogenase
  • malate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating)
  • malate dehydrogenase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating) (NADP+)
  • Glutathione Transferase