Lactate dehydrogenase expression modulates longevity and neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) catalyzes the conversion of glycolysis-derived pyruvate to lactate. Lactate has been shown to play key roles in brain energetics and memory formation. However, lactate levels are elevated in aging and Alzheimer's disease patients, and it is not clear whether lactate plays protective or detrimental roles in these contexts. Here we show that Ldh transcript levels are elevated and cycle with diurnal rhythm in the heads of aged flies and this is associated with increased LDH protein, enzyme activity, and lactate concentrations. To understand the biological significance of increased Ldh gene expression, we genetically manipulated Ldh levels in adult neurons or glia. Overexpression of Ldh in both cell types caused a significant reduction in

SUBMITTER: Long DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7346061 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature