The endogenous ligand Stunted of the GPCR Methuselah extends lifespan in Drosophila. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Many extracellular signals are transmitted to the interior of the cell by receptors with seven membrane-spanning helices that trigger their effects by means of heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). These G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control various physiological functions in evolution from pheromone-induced mating in yeast to cognition in humans. The potential role of the G-protein signalling system in the control of animal ageing has been highlighted by the genetic revelation that mutation of a GPCR encoded by methuselah extends the lifespan of adult Drosophila flies. How methuselah functions in controlling ageing is not clear. A first essential step towards the understanding of methuselah function is to determine the ligands of Methuselah. Here we report the identification and characterization of two endogenous peptide ligands of Methuselah, designated Stunted A and B. Flies with mutations in the gene encoding these ligands show an increase in lifespan and resistance to oxidative stress. We conclude that the Stunted-Methuselah system is involved in the control of animal ageing.

publication date

  • May 9, 2004

Research

keywords

  • Aging
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Longevity
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 2942748080

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/ncb1133

PubMed ID

  • 15133470

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 6

issue

  • 6