Starvation protects germline stem cells and extends reproductive longevity in C. elegans.
The study of starvation-resistant biological programs has elucidated numerous mechanisms influencing aging. Here we present the discovery and characterization of starvation-induced adult reproductive diapause (ARD) in Caenorhabditis elegans. ARD differs from the C. elegans dauer diapause in that it enables sexually mature adults to delay reproductive onset 15-fold and extend total adult life span at least threefold. The effectiveness of ARD requires apoptotic death of the entire germ line, except for a small population of protected germline stem cells (GSCs). When feeding is resumed, surviving GSCs regenerate a new germ line capable of offspring production near the level of nonstarved animals. The starvation-sensing nuclear receptor NHR-49 is required for ARD entry and recovery. Our findings establish mechanisms for preserving stem cell potency and reproductive potential during prolonged starvation.
Angelo
Giana
G
Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
Van Gilst
Marc R
MR
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D020169:Caspases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D008136:Longevity; D009154:Mutation; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013217:Starvation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; C505159:NHR-49 protein, C elegans; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D020169:Caspases; C089223:ced-3 protein, C elegans