An age-dependent reversal in the protective capacities of JNK signaling shortens Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan.

ABSTRACT: Stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathways are evolutionarily conserved signaling modules that orchestrate protective responses to adverse environmental conditions. However, under certain conditions, their activation can be deleterious. Thus, activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) SAPK pathway exacerbates a diverse set of pathologies, many of which are typical of old age. The contexts determining whether the outcome of JNK signaling is protective or detrimental are not fully understood. Here, we show that the age of an animal defines such a context. The Caenorhabditis elegans JNK homolog, KGB-1, provides protection from heavy metals and protein folding stress in developing animals. However, we found that with the onset of adulthood, KGB-1 activity becomes detrimental, reducin

SUBMITTER: Twumasi-Boateng K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3440580 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature