Stochastic and genetic factors influence tissue-specific decline in ageing C. elegans

Laura A. Herndon, Peter J. Schmeissner, Justyna M. Dudaronek, Paula A. Brown, Kristin M. Listner, Yuko Sakano, Marie C. Paupard, David H. Hall () and Monica Driscoll ()
Additional contact information
Laura A. Herndon: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories
Peter J. Schmeissner: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories
Justyna M. Dudaronek: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories
Paula A. Brown: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories
Kristin M. Listner: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories
Yuko Sakano: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories
Marie C. Paupard: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
David H. Hall: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Monica Driscoll: A232 Nelson Biological Laboratories

Nature, 2002, vol. 419, issue 6909, 808-814

Abstract: Abstract The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model for studying the genetics of ageing, with over 50 life-extension mutations known so far. However, little is known about the pathobiology of ageing in this species, limiting attempts to connect genotype with senescent phenotype. Using ultrastructural analysis and visualization of specific cell types with green fluorescent protein, we examined cell integrity in different tissues as the animal ages. We report remarkable preservation of the nervous system, even in advanced old age, in contrast to a gradual, progressive deterioration of muscle, resembling human sarcopenia. The age-1(hx546) mutation, which extends lifespan by 60–100%, delayed some, but not all, cellular biomarkers of ageing. Strikingly, we found strong evidence that stochastic as well as genetic factors are significant in C. elegans ageing, with extensive variability both among same-age animals and between cells of the same type within individuals.

Date: 2002
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DOI: 10.1038/nature01135

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