The endogenous siRNA pathway in Drosophila impacts stress resistance and lifespan by regulating metabolic homeostasis

Small non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression in a sequence-specific manner. In Drosophila, Dicer-2 (Dcr-2) functions in the biogenesis of endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs). We identified 21 distinct proteins that exhibited a ⩾1.5-fold change as a consequence of loss of dcr-2 function. Most of these were metabolic genes implicated in stress resistance and aging. dcr-2 Mutants had reduced lifespan and were hypersensitive to oxidative, endoplasmic reticulum, starvation, and cold stresses. Furthermore, loss of dcr-2 function led to abnormal lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Our results suggest roles for the endo-siRNA pathway in metabolic regulation and defense against stress and aging in Drosophila.

► We identified proteins affected by defective endo-siRNA production in dcr-2 mutants. ► Most of these changes were associated with genes involved in metabolic processes. ► dcr-2 Mutants were hypersensitive to various stresses and had reduced lifespan. ► dcr-2 Mutants had abnormal metabolic homeostasis.