Methionine increases yolk production to offset the negative effect of caloric restriction on reproduction without affecting longevity in C. elegans.

ABSTRACT: Caloric restriction (CR) or Dietary restriction (DR) is known to improve health and in many cases increases lifespan. However, its negative effect on reproduction has not been fully studied. Practicing CR/DR without adequate knowledge on its side effect may risk complications such as infertility, birth defect, or malnutrition. In this study, by using several CR strategies in C. elegans, we examine key functions of reproduction including embryonic development and larvae growth. We find that CR significantly decreases the survival of embryos and slows the growth of the offspring. We further determine that defect in oocyte but not sperm is responsible for the compromised reproduction under CR. Interestingly, adding methionine to the medium reverses the reproduction defects, but does no

SUBMITTER: Zhou G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7041781 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature