Dietary restriction and lifespan: Lessons from invertebrate models

Abstract

Dietary restriction (DR) is the most robust environmental manipulation known to increase active and healthy lifespan in many species. Despite differences in the protocols and the way DR is carried out in different organisms, conserved relationships are emerging among multiple species. Elegant studies from numerous model organisms are further defining the importance of various nutrient-signaling pathways including mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), insulin/IGF-1-like signaling and sirtuins in mediating the effects of DR. We here review current advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms altered by DR to promote lifespan in three major invertebrate models, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Keywords: Autophagy; Flies; Metabolism; Mitochondrial respiration; Sirtuins; Worms; Yeast.

Figure 1

Effector mechanisms of dietary restriction that contribute to lifespan extension in the budding yeast S. cerevisae. See text for details.

Figure 2

Effector mechanisms of dietary restriction that contribute to lifespan in the nematode C. elegans. Different dietary-restriction regimens are listed, as well as information about the site-of-action of genes and processes where known. See text for details.

Figure 3

Effector mechanisms of dietary restriction that contribute to lifespan in the fruit fly D. melanogaster. See text for details.