On the Fly: Recent Progress on Autophagy and Aging in Drosophila.

摘要: Autophagy ensures the lysosome-mediated breakdown and recycling of self-material, as it not only degrades obsolete or damaged intracellular constituents but also provides building blocks for biosynthetic energy producing reactions. Studies in animal models including Drosophila revealed that autophagy defects lead to rapid decline neuromuscular function, neurodegeneration, sensitivity stress (such starvation oxidative damage), stem cell loss. Of note, recently identified human Atg gene mutations cause similar symptoms ataxia mental retardation. Physiologically, autophagic degradation (flux) is known decrease during aging, this defect likely contributes development such age-associated diseases. Many manipulations extend lifespan (including dietary restriction, reduced TOR kinase signaling, exercise treatment with various anti-aging substances) require their beneficial effect on longevity, pointing key role housekeeping process. Importantly, genetic (eg. Atg8a overexpression either neurons muscle) pharmacological feeding rapamycin spermidine animals) promotion has been successfully used Drosophila, suggesting pathway can rejuvenate cells organisms. In review, we highlight discoveries recent progress understanding relationship aging Drosophila.