Biology subjects

Tullet, J. M. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Tullet, J. M. A..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2022

Timing of TORC1 inhibition dictates Pol III involvement in longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Organismal growth and lifespan are inextricably linked. Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signalling regulates protein production for growth and development, but if reduced extends lifespan across species. Reduction of the enzyme RNA polymerase III, which transcribes tRNAs and 5S rRNA, also extends longevity. Here, we identify a temporal genetic relationship between TOR and Pol III in C. elegans, showing that they collaborate to regulate progeny production and lifespan. Interestingly, the lifespan interaction between Pol III and TOR is only revealed when TOR signaling is reduced specifically in adulthood demonstrating the importance of timing to control TOR regulated developmental vs adult programs. Additionally, we show that Pol III acts in C. elegans muscle to promote both longevity and healthspan and that reducing Pol III even in late adulthood is sufficient to extend lifespan. This demonstrates the importance of Pol III for lifespan and age-related health in adult C. elegans.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2020

Neuronal SKN-1B Modulates Nutritional Signalling Pathways and Mitochondrial Networks to Control Satiety

The feeling of hunger or satiety results from integration of the sensory nervous system with other physiological and metabolic cues. This regulates food intake, maintains homeostasis and prevents disease. In C. elegans, chemosensory neurons sense food and relay information to the rest of the animal via hormones to control food-related behaviour and physiology. Here we identify a new component of this system, SKN-1B which acts as a central food-responsive node, ultimately controlling satiety and metabolic homeostasis. SKN-1B, an ortholog of mammalian NF-E2 related transcription factors (Nrfs), acts in two hypothalamus-like ASI neurons to sense food, communicate nutritional status to the organism, and control satiety and exploratory behaviours. It achieves this by modulating endocrine signalling pathways (IIS and TGF-{beta}), and by promoting a robust mitochondrial network. Our data suggest a food-sensing and satiety role for mammalian Nrf proteins.

animal behavior and cognition↗