Functional significance of allelic variation at methuselah, an aging gene in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Longevity and age-specific patterns of mortality are complex traits that vary within and among taxa. Multiple candidate genes for aging have been identified in model systems by extended longevity mutant phenotypes, including the G-protein coupled receptor methuselah (mth) in D. melanogaster. These genes offer important insights into the mechanisms of lifespan determination and have been major targets of interest in the biology of aging. However, it is largely unknown whether these genes contribute to genetic variance for lifespan in natural populations, and consequently contribute to lifespan evolution.

Methodology/principle findings

For a gene to contribute to genetic variance for a particular trait, it must meet two criteria: natural allelic variation and functi

SUBMITTER: Paaby AB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2288678 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature