The roundworm C. Elegans has proven to be a valuable organism for advancing understanding of fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging because of its short lifespan, ease of genetic manipulations, and fully documented cellular organization. During the past 10 years or so Scott Leiser's laboratory at the University of Michigan has made several fascinating discoveries concerning how specific cells in the nervous system and elsewhere respond to environmental challenges in ways that either extend or shorten lifespan. Particularly interesting is evidence that: certain serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons that respond to food odors and availability control aging; that activation of certain touch receptors can counteract lifespan extension by dietary restriction; and that FMOs (flavin monooxygenases) extend lifespan and increase stress resistance. These findings provide new insight into the basic mechanisms of aging and for the development of interventions to extend health span.

LINKS

Leiser Laboratory:

https://medschool.umich.edu/profile/2430/scott-f-leiser

Articles discussed in this podcast

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9174215/pdf/41467_2022_Article_30869.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12582246/pdf/pnas.202423780.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11828484/pdf/elife-99971.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12247763/pdf/nihpp-2025.05.04.652087v1.pdf