Identification of mutations that delay somatic or reproductive aging of Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: Aging is an important feature of animal biology characterized by progressive, degenerative changes in somatic and reproductive tissues. The rate of age-related degeneration is genetically controlled, since genes that influence lifespan have been identified. However, little is known about genes that affect reproductive aging or aging of specific somatic tissues. To identify genes that are important for controlling these degenerative changes, we used chemical mutagenesis to perform forward genetic screens in Caenorhabditis elegans. By conducting a screen focused on somatic aging, we identified mutant hermaphrodites that displayed extended periods of pharyngeal pumping, body movement, or survival. One of these mutations is a novel allele of the age-1 gene. age-1 encodes a phosphatidylinositol

SUBMITTER: Hughes SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3176124 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature