Pore-Forming Protein LIN-24 Enhances Starvation Resilience in Caenorhabditis elegans by Modulating Lipid Metabolism and Mitochondrial Dynamics.

ABSTRACT: The ability to survive starvation is a critical evolutionary adaptation, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this capability remain incompletely understood. Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) are typically associated with immune defense, where they disturb the membranes of target cells. However, the role of PFPs in non-immune functions, particularly in metabolic and structural adaptations to starvation, is less explored. Here, we investigate the aerolysin-like PFP LIN-24 in Caenorhabditis elegans and uncover its novel function in enhancing starvation resistance. We found that LIN-24 expression is upregulated during starvation, leading to increased expression of the lipase-encoding gene lipl-3. This upregulation accelerates the mobilization and degradation of lipid stores, there

SUBMITTER: Lan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11860826 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature