Hydrogen sulfide increases thermotolerance and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is naturally produced in animal cells. Exogenous H(2)S has been shown to effect physiological changes that improve the capacity of mammals to survive in otherwise lethal conditions. However, the mechanisms required for such alterations are unknown. We investigated the physiological response of Caenorhabditis elegans to H(2)S to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of H(2)S action. Here we show that nematodes exposed to H(2)S are apparently healthy and do not exhibit phenotypes consistent with metabolic inhibition. Instead, animals exposed to H(2)S are thermotolerant and long-lived. These phenotypes require SIR-2.1 activity but are genetically independent of the insulin signaling pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, and caloric restriction. These studies suggest that S

SUBMITTER: Miller DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2154480 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature