Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: Genes Dev. 2004 Dec 15;18(24):3004-9. Epub 2004 Dec 1.Click here to read Click here to read Links
Erratum in:
Genes Dev. 2005 Feb 1;19(3):411.
Genes Dev. 2005 Jan 1;19(1):188.

The AMP-activated protein kinase AAK-2 links energy levels and insulin-like signals to lifespan in C. elegans.

Apfeld J, O'Connor G, McDonagh T, DiStefano PS, Curtis R.

Elixir Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. japfeld@elixirpharm.com

Although limiting energy availability extends lifespan in many organisms, it is not understood how lifespan is coupled to energy levels. We find that the AMP:ATP ratio, a measure of energy levels, increases with age in Caenorhabditis elegans and can be used to predict life expectancy. The C. elegans AMP-activated protein kinase alpha subunit AAK-2 is activated by AMP and functions to extend lifespan. In addition, either an environmental stressor that increases the AMP:ATP ratio or mutations that lower insulin-like signaling extend lifespan in an aak-2-dependent manner. Thus, AAK-2 is a sensor that couples lifespan to information about energy levels and insulin-like signals.

PMID: 15574588 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC535911