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Perspectives
Protein Synthesis and Aging: eIF4E and the Soma vs. Germline Distinction
Nektarios Tavernarakis
volume 6 | issue 10
15 May 2007Pages: 1168 - 1171
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Classic studies in diverse organisms, including humans, have demonstrated that ageing is accompanied by marked alterations in both general and specific protein synthesis. These early observations established a link between the ageing process and the regulation of protein synthesis. However, two important questions remained. First, what are the molecular mechanisms underlying the changes in protein synthesis during ageing? Second, are these changes simply a consequence of ageing or do they actually have a causative role in senescent decline? We have recently shown that elimination of a specific isoform of the eukaryotic mRNA translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) that functions in somatic cells, reduces protein synthesis and extends lifespan in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Depletion of eIF4E in the soma extends lifespan via a mechanism independent of the insulin/IGF pathway that modulates ageing in diverse species. Our findings suggest that regulation of protein synthesis is an important determinant of longevity and provide a framework for elucidating the mechanisms by which the rate of protein synthesis influences the process of ageing.
Authors
Nektarios Tavernarakis
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Crete, Greece
We now provide open access to journal articles published online for one year or more. This article may be downloaded at the following link:
Download PDF If the document does not open, please right-click on the link (control-click on a Macintosh) and select the option to save the file to disk.