Extension of life-span by overexpression of superoxide dismutase and catalase in Drosophila melanogaster.
The hypothesis that oxygen free radicals are causally involved in the aging process was tested by a study of the effects of simultaneous overexpression of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and catalase. As compared to diploid controls, transgenic flies carrying three copies of each of these genes exhibited as much as a one-third extension of life-span, a longer mortality rate doubling time, a lower amount of protein oxidative damage, and a delayed loss in physical performance. Results provide direct support for the free radical hypothesis of aging.
Orr
W C
WC
Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275.
Sohal
R S
RS
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D002374:Catalase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D011506:Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase