Protocol for assessing the healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans after potential anti-aging drug treatment

Yi Xiao; Li Zhang; Yun Liu

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102285

Protocol for assessing the healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans after potential anti-aging drug treatment

STAR Protoc. 2023 May 5;4(2):102285. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102285. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yi Xiao¹, Li Zhang², Yun Liu³

Affiliations

¹ Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China. Electronic address: xiaoyizmu@126.com.
² Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
³ Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China. Electronic address: liuyunzmu@126.com.

Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been developed as a valuable genetic model for research on aging and aging-related diseases. Here, we present a protocol for assessing the healthspan of C. elegans after treatment of a potential anti-aging drug. We describe steps for C. elegans synchronization, drug treatment, and lifespan determination from the survivorship curve. We also detail assessment of locomotory ability through body bend rate and measurement of lipofuscin fluorescence to quantify age pigment in the worm intestine. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Xiao et al. (2022).¹.

Keywords: Health Sciences; Microbiology; Microscopy; Model Organisms.