Nematodes’ Aversion to Odors May Extend Lifespan, Study Suggests
A recent study conducted on Caenorhabditis elegans, a species of nematode, has revealed that their aversion to harmful odors might be an indicator of their enhanced longevity. The research indicates that these nematodes have the ability to not only detect odor molecules from pathogenic bacteria but also exhibit avoidance behaviors in response to these odors. Additionally, these odors stimulate a protective neural circuit in other tissues of the nematode, which enhances the efficient processing of toxic proteins.
The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, found that when exposed to the odor molecule 1-undecene, the nematodes demonstrated increased lifespan and improved protein processing in their intestines. Activation of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPRER) in the nematode’s intestine played a crucial role in processing toxic proteins when exposed to the odorant. The protein DAF-7, which is equivalent to the human TGF-β, was found to be essential in the aversion response and could potentially provide insights for human research.
The researchers believe that sensing environmental dangers through odors may be an evolutionary mechanism that extends lifespan. The nematodes’ ability to detect danger in the environment through smell allows them to activate stress responses even before encountering pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, this olfactory perception prevents the aggregation of disease-related proteins, potentially leading to a longer lifespan.
Although nematodes may seem vastly different from humans, they have been widely used as a model organism for biological studies. Their simple nervous system, few cells and genes, and relatively short lifespan make them ideal for aging research. The findings of this study highlight the potential for manipulating perceptions of chemical substances as a route for intervention in neurodegenerative and age-related diseases.
Further research is needed to determine whether similar cell signaling pathways and mechanisms operate in humans. Nonetheless, this study offers valuable insights into the connection between odor perception, stress response, and lifespan extension. If scientists can identify the molecule mediating this circuit, it could open up new possibilities for the development of novel treatments.
The study was conducted by researcher Evandro Araújo de Souza during his postdoctoral research at the Neurobiology Division of the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in the United Kingdom. Souza is part of FAPESP’s Project Generation, which supports research conducted by early-career researchers with outstanding potential. He will continue his research at the State University of Campinas’s Institute of Biology in Brazil.
By unraveling the intricate mechanisms behind nematodes’ aversion to odors, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of lifespan regulation and proteostasis in peripheral tissues. This knowledge could potentially pave the way for innovative approaches to improving human health and longevity.
Reference:
Souza, E. A., et al. (2021). Olfactory chemosensation extends lifespan through TGF-β signaling and UPR activation. Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00069-8.