GLUCOSE SENSING, ENERGY METABOLISM, AND AGING IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE
Stephen S. Lin*, Jill K. Manchester, and Jeffrey I. Gordon
Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology
Washington University School of Medicine
660 So. Euclid Ave., Box 8103
St. Louis, MO. 63110
A relationship between lifespan and cellular glucose metabolism has been inferred from genetic manipulations and caloric restriction of model organisms. By combining DNA microarray analysis of gene expression with microanalytic biochemical methods for profiling cellular metabolism, we show that aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is associated with a shift away from glycolysis, and towards gluconeogenesis and energy storage. This shift is forestalled by two manipulations that extend lifespan: caloric restriction and genetic attenuation of the normal age-associated increase in the activity of Snf1p, a serine/threonine kinase known to regulate cellular responses to glucose deprivation. Increases in energy storage over expenditure should impact the ability of aging cells to repair damage and maintain various housekeeping functions.
Key words:
Snf1, yeast, aging
Problems or questions regarding this site should be directed to
webmaster@americanaging.org