A mev-1-like dominant-negative SdhC increases oxidative stress and reduces lifespan in Drosophila

Oxidative stress is thought to promote aging by damaging various cellular components. We investigated the phenotypic effects of mutation in the sdhC gene encoding succinate dehydrogenase C in Drosophila by using transgenic flies expressing a dominant-negative form, SdhCI71E. Expression of SdhCI71E significantly reduced the mean lifespan by 22% compared to that of control flies. The amount of protein carbonyl was significantly increased, suggesting that a high level of oxidative stress was induced in these flies. The transgenic flies should serve as a model for studying the biological processes associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila.